1
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Linette GP, Bear AS, Carreno BM. Facts and Hopes in Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Antigens Derived from KRAS Mutations. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2017-2024. [PMID: 38266167 PMCID: PMC11094419 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In this commentary, we advance the notion that mutant KRAS (mKRAS) is an ideal tumor neoantigen that is amenable for targeting by the adaptive immune system. Recent progress highlights key advances on various fronts that validate mKRAS as a molecular target and support further pursuit as an immunological target. Because mKRAS is an intracellular membrane localized protein and not normally expressed on the cell surface, we surmise that proteasome degradation will generate short peptides that bind to HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum for transport through the Golgi for display on the cell surface. T-cell receptors (TCR)αβ and antibodies have been isolated that specifically recognize mKRAS encoded epitope(s) or haptenated-mKRAS peptides in the context of HLA-I on tumor cells. Case reports using adoptive T-cell therapy provide proof of principle that KRAS G12D can be successfully targeted by the immune system in patients with cancer. Among the challenges facing investigators is the requirement of precision medicine to identify and match patients to available mKRAS peptide/HLA therapeutics and to increase the population coverage by targeting additional mKRAS epitopes. Ultimately, we envision mKRAS-directed immunotherapy as an effective treatment option for selected patients that will complement and perhaps synergize with small-molecule mKRAS inhibitors and targeted mKRAS degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P. Linette
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adham S. Bear
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beatriz M. Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2
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Perurena N, Situ L, Cichowski K. Combinatorial strategies to target RAS-driven cancers. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:316-337. [PMID: 38627557 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Although RAS was formerly considered undruggable, various agents that inhibit RAS or specific RAS oncoproteins have now been developed. Indeed, the importance of directly targeting RAS has recently been illustrated by the clinical success of mutant-selective KRAS inhibitors. Nevertheless, responses to these agents are typically incomplete and restricted to a subset of patients, highlighting the need to develop more effective treatments, which will likely require a combinatorial approach. Vertical strategies that target multiple nodes within the RAS pathway to achieve deeper suppression are being investigated and have precedence in other contexts. However, alternative strategies that co-target RAS and other therapeutic vulnerabilities have been identified, which may mitigate the requirement for profound pathway suppression. Regardless, the efficacy of any given approach will likely be dictated by genetic, epigenetic and tumour-specific variables. Here we discuss various combinatorial strategies to treat KRAS-driven cancers, highlighting mechanistic concepts that may extend to tumours harbouring other RAS mutations. Although many promising combinations have been identified, clinical responses will ultimately depend on whether a therapeutic window can be achieved and our ability to prospectively select responsive patients. Therefore, we must continue to develop and understand biologically diverse strategies to maximize our likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Perurena
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Situ
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Cichowski
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Oyejobi GK, Yan X, Sliz P, Wang L. Regulating Protein-RNA Interactions: Advances in Targeting the LIN28/Let-7 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3585. [PMID: 38612395 PMCID: PMC11011352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073585] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally discovered in C. elegans, LIN28 is an evolutionarily conserved zinc finger RNA-binding protein (RBP) that post-transcriptionally regulates genes involved in developmental timing, stem cell programming, and oncogenesis. LIN28 acts via two distinct mechanisms. It blocks the biogenesis of the lethal-7 (let-7) microRNA (miRNA) family, and also directly binds messenger RNA (mRNA) targets, such as IGF-2 mRNA, and alters downstream splicing and translation events. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of LIN28 repression of let-7 and current strategies to overcome this blockade for the purpose of cancer therapy. We highlight the value of the LIN28/let-7 pathway as a drug target, as multiple oncogenic proteins that the pathway regulates are considered undruggable due to their inaccessible cellular location and lack of cavities for small molecule binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greater Kayode Oyejobi
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (G.K.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaodan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (G.K.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Piotr Sliz
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (G.K.O.); (X.Y.)
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4
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Vaishnavi A, Kinsey CG, McMahon M. Preclinical Modeling of Pathway-Targeted Therapy of Human Lung Cancer in the Mouse. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041385. [PMID: 37788883 PMCID: PMC10760064 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal models, particularly genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), continue to have a transformative impact on our understanding of the initiation and progression of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Furthermore, GEMMs have been employed in the design and optimization of potent anticancer therapies. Increasingly, drug responses are assessed in mouse models either prior, or in parallel, to the implementation of precision medical oncology, in which groups of patients with genetically stratified cancers are treated with drugs that target the relevant oncoprotein such that mechanisms of drug sensitivity or resistance may be identified. Subsequently, this has led to the design and preclinical testing of combination therapies designed to forestall the onset of drug resistance. Indeed, mouse models of human lung cancer represent a paradigm for how a wide variety of GEMMs, driven by a variety of oncogenic drivers, have been generated to study initiation, progression, and maintenance of this disease as well as response to drugs. These studies have now expanded beyond targeted therapy to include immunotherapy. We highlight key aspects of the relationship between mouse models and the evolution of therapeutic approaches, including oncogene-targeted therapies, immunotherapies, acquired drug resistance, and ways in which successful antitumor strategies improve on efficiently translating preclinical approaches into successful antitumor strategies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Vaishnavi
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Conan G Kinsey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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5
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Chen T, Tang X, Wang Z, Feng F, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Sun H, Chen Y. Inhibition of Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1): Promising therapeutic treatment for KRAS-mutant cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115828. [PMID: 37778239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115828] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) is one of the most common oncogenes in human cancers. As a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1) represents a potential therapeutic concept for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers because of its activation on KRAS and downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, biological function, and regulation of SOS1. We also focus on the recent advances in SOS1 inhibitors and emphasize their binding modes, structure-activity relationships and pharmacological activities. We hope that this publication can provide a comprehensive compendium on the rational design of SOS1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Hou X, Zhou C, Liang Z, Qiu H, Zhou Z, Zheng H, Li Z, Wang Y, Qi X, Lu L, Cao Y, Zheng J. Salvianolic acid F suppresses KRAS-dependent lung cancer cell growth through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 121:155093. [PMID: 37783131 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS mutation is a common driver of NSCLC, and there is a high proportion of lung cancer patients with KRAS G12C and G12D mutation. KRAS was previously considered an "undruggable" target, but the first KRAS G12C mutation-targeted drug AMG510, entered the market in 2021. However, treatments for G12D mutant tumors remain to be discovered. Salvianolic acid F (SalF), a monomer derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), and KRAS had high binding affinity, especially for KRAS G12D. There is an urgent need to investigate effective and safe novel targeted therapies against KRAS G12D-driven NSCLC. METHODS To evaluate the anticancer effect of SalF, we used KRAS-overexpressing lung cancer cells in vitro, a subcutaneous transplant tumor model, and KRAS G12D mice model in vivo. Then, the binding effect of SalF and KRAS was investigated using molecular docking, proteolytic assays and protein thermal shift assays. More critically, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the lung was investigated utilizing RT-qPCR and Western Blotting. RESULTS This is the first study to evaluate the anticancer effect of SalF on KRAS-overexpressing lung cancer cells or KRAS G12D lung tumors in vivo. We demonstrated that SalF inhibits OE-KRAS A549 cell migration, proliferation and promotes apoptosis in vitro. In addition, we used a subcutaneous transplant tumor model to show that SalF suppresses the growth of lung cancer cells in vivo. Interestingly, our group found that SalF was strongly bound to G12D and could decrease the stability and promoted the degradation of the KRAS G12D mutant through molecular docking, proteolytic assays and protein thermal shift assays. Further research demonstrated that in the KrasG12D mice model, after SalF treatment, the number and size of mouse lung tumors were significantly reduced. More importantly, SalF can promote apoptosis by inhibiting downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation. CONCLUSION SalF activated apoptosis signaling pathways, suppressed anti-apoptotic genes, and inhibited lung cancer cell growth. These datas suggested that SalF could effectively inhibit the growth of lung tumors with KRAS G12D mutation. SalF may be a novel inhibitor against KRAS G12D, providing a strong theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of lung cancer with KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuenan Hou
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China; The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China
| | - Chishun Zhou
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zuhui Liang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huawei Qiu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zhuming Zhou
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huanjin Zheng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zeyun Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China; The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Qi
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Yang Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China; The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China.
| | - Jing Zheng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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7
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Castellano E. Unveiling the Mysteries of RAS Signaling: A Journey of Discovery and Breakthroughs. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1987. [PMID: 38002930 PMCID: PMC10671483 DOI: 10.3390/genes14111987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the realm of molecular biology, few terms evoke as much curiosity, fascination, and determination as RAS [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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8
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Berta D, Gehrke S, Nyíri K, Vértessy BG, Rosta E. Mechanism-Based Redesign of GAP to Activate Oncogenic Ras. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20302-20310. [PMID: 37682266 PMCID: PMC10515638 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Ras GTPases play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways. Mutations of the Ras gene occur in about one third of cancerous cell lines and are often associated with detrimental clinical prognosis. Hot spot residues Gly12, Gly13, and Gln61 cover 97% of oncogenic mutations, which impair the enzymatic activity in Ras. Using QM/MM free energy calculations, we present a two-step mechanism for the GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by the wild-type Ras.GAP complex. We found that the deprotonation of the catalytic water takes place via the Gln61 as a transient Brønsted base. We also determined the reaction profiles for key oncogenic Ras mutants G12D and G12C using QM/MM minimizations, matching the experimentally observed loss of catalytic activity, thereby validating our reaction mechanism. Using the optimized reaction paths, we devised a fast and accurate procedure to design GAP mutants that activate G12D Ras. We replaced GAP residues near the active site and determined the activation barrier for 190 single mutants. We furthermore built a machine learning for ultrafast screening, by fast prediction of the barrier heights, tested both on the single and double mutations. This work demonstrates that fast and accurate screening can be accomplished via QM/MM reaction path optimizations to design protein sequences with increased catalytic activity. Several GAP mutations are predicted to re-enable catalysis in oncogenic G12D, offering a promising avenue to overcome aberrant Ras-driven signal transduction by activating enzymatic activity instead of inhibition. The outlined computational screening protocol is readily applicable for designing ligands and cofactors analogously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dénes Berta
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Gehrke
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Kinga Nyíri
- Institute
of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja
2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budafoki út 6-8, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Beáta G. Vértessy
- Institute
of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja
2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budafoki út 6-8, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Edina Rosta
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, United Kingdom
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9
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Murphy BM, Jensen DM, Arnold TE, Aguilar-Valenzuela R, Hughes J, Posada V, Nguyen KT, Chu VT, Tsai KY, Burd CJ, Burd CE. The OSUMMER lines: A series of ultraviolet-accelerated NRAS-mutant mouse melanoma cell lines syngeneic to C57BL/6. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:365-377. [PMID: 37341054 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13107] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of cancer subtypes are treated with front-line immunotherapy. However, approaches to overcome primary and acquired resistance remain limited. Preclinical mouse models are often used to investigate resistance mechanisms, novel drug combinations, and delivery methods; yet most of these models lack the genetic diversity and mutational patterns observed in human tumors. Here we describe a series of 13 C57BL/6J melanoma cell lines to address this gap in the field. The Ohio State University-Moffitt Melanoma Exposed to Radiation (OSUMMER) cell lines are derived from mice expressing endogenous, melanocyte-specific, and clinically relevant Nras driver mutations (Q61R, Q61K, or Q61L). Exposure of these animals to a single, non-burning dose of ultraviolet B accelerates the onset of spontaneous melanomas with mutational patterns akin to human disease. Furthermore, in vivo irradiation selects against potent tumor antigens, which could prevent the outgrowth of syngeneic cell transfers. Each OSUMMER cell line possesses distinct in vitro growth properties, trametinib sensitivity, mutational signatures, and predicted antigenicity. Analysis of OSUMMER allografts shows a correlation between strong, predicted antigenicity and poor tumor outgrowth. These data suggest that the OSUMMER lines will be a valuable tool for modeling the heterogeneous responses of human melanomas to targeted and immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Murphy
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Daelin M Jensen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tiffany E Arnold
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Renan Aguilar-Valenzuela
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jase Hughes
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Temecula, California, USA
| | - Valentina Posada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kimberly T Nguyen
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vi T Chu
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Temecula, California, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Departments of Pathology and Tumor Biology, The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Craig J Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Christin E Burd
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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10
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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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11
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Dandekar B, Ahalawat N, Sinha S, Mondal J. Markov State Models Reconcile Conformational Plasticity of GTPase with Its Substrate Binding Event. JACS AU 2023; 3:1728-1741. [PMID: 37388689 PMCID: PMC10302740 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Ras GTPase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and plays an important role in controlling crucial cellular signaling pathways. However, this enzyme has always been believed to be undruggable due to its strong binding affinity with its native substrate GTP. To understand the potential origin of high GTPase/GTP recognition, here we reconstruct the complete process of GTP binding to Ras GTPase via building Markov state models (MSMs) using a 0.1 ms long all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The kinetic network model, derived from the MSM, identifies multiple pathways of GTP en route to its binding pocket. While the substrate stalls onto a set of non-native metastable GTPase/GTP encounter complexes, the MSM accurately discovers the native pose of GTP at its designated catalytic site in crystallographic precision. However, the series of events exhibit signatures of conformational plasticity in which the protein remains trapped in multiple non-native conformations even when GTP has already located itself in its native binding site. The investigation demonstrates mechanistic relays pertaining to simultaneous fluctuations of switch 1 and switch 2 residues which remain most instrumental in maneuvering the GTP-binding process. Scanning of the crystallographic database reveals close resemblance between observed non-native GTP binding poses and precedent crystal structures of substrate-bound GTPase, suggesting potential roles of these binding-competent intermediates in allosteric regulation of the recognition process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Navjeet Ahalawat
- Department
of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004 Haryana, India
| | - Suman Sinha
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, 281406 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jagannath Mondal
- Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
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12
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Salmón M, Álvarez-Díaz R, Fustero-Torre C, Brehey O, Lechuga CG, Sanclemente M, Fernández-García F, López-García A, Martín-Guijarro MC, Rodríguez-Perales S, Bousquet-Mur E, Morales-Cacho L, Mulero F, Al-Shahrour F, Martínez L, Domínguez O, Caleiras E, Ortega S, Guerra C, Musteanu M, Drosten M, Barbacid M. Kras oncogene ablation prevents resistance in advanced lung adenocarcinomas. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e164413. [PMID: 36928090 PMCID: PMC10065067 DOI: 10.1172/jci164413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors have revolutionized the clinical management of patients with KRASG12C-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. However, patient exposure to these inhibitors leads to the rapid onset of resistance. In this study, we have used genetically engineered mice to compare the therapeutic efficacy and the emergence of tumor resistance between genetic ablation of mutant Kras expression and pharmacological inhibition of oncogenic KRAS activity. Whereas Kras ablation induces massive tumor regression and prevents the appearance of resistant cells in vivo, treatment of KrasG12C/Trp53-driven lung adenocarcinomas with sotorasib, a selective KRASG12C inhibitor, caused a limited antitumor response similar to that observed in the clinic, including the rapid onset of resistance. Unlike in human tumors, we did not observe mutations in components of the RAS-signaling pathways. Instead, sotorasib-resistant tumors displayed amplification of the mutant Kras allele and activation of xenobiotic metabolism pathways, suggesting that reduction of the on-target activity of KRASG12C inhibitors is the main mechanism responsible for the onset of resistance. In sum, our results suggest that resistance to KRAS inhibitors could be prevented by achieving a more robust inhibition of KRAS signaling mimicking the results obtained upon Kras ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Salmón
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
| | | | | | - Oksana Brehey
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sagrario Ortega
- Mouse Genome Editing Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Guerra
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Musteanu
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Drosten
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer (CIC) and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas–Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Fan Z, Zhang L, Zhang S, Liu A, Li S, Cao X, Tian J, Zhao S, Sun J. Farnesyltransferase (FTase) Inhibitors Increase Inhibition of KIT Mutants by Imatinib. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:74-82. [PMID: 37724142 PMCID: PMC10505455 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.12.1.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT are the major cause of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. KIT-mediated activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3 kinase/AKT pathways plays an important role in KIT mutant-mediated cell transformation. Methods The frequently seen primary KIT mutations W557K558del and V560D, and the secondary KIT mutations V654A and N822K, in gastrointestinal stromal tumors were stably transfected into Ba/F3 cells. Cell proliferation was examined with a CCK kit, and cell survival and cell cycle were examined by flow cytometry. Cell signaling was examined by western blot. Results We found that farnesyltransferase inhibitors tipifarnib and lonafarnib, which inhibit RAS activity, inhibited ERK activation mediated by both wild-type and KIT mutants, which often occur in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Correspondingly, both wild-type and KIT mutant-mediated cell survival and proliferation were inhibited by both inhibitors. Imatinib is used as the first-line targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the clinic. In our study, both inhibitors increased imatinib-mediated inhibition of cell survival and proliferation induced by both wild-type and KIT mutants. Similar to the primary KIT mutations, secondary mutations of KIT-induced ERK activation and cell response were inhibited by both inhibitors. Conclusions Our results suggested the potential benefit of farnesyltransferase inhibitors either alone or combined with imatinib in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors carrying KIT mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Liangying Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Shaoting Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Anbu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Shujing Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Xu Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Jinhai Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Sien Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Jianmin Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Science and Technology Center, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
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14
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Rathod LS, Dabhade PS, Mokale SN. Recent progress in targeting KRAS mutant cancers with covalent G12C-specific inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103557. [PMID: 36934967 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12C has been identified as a potential target in the treatment of solid tumors. One of the most often transformed proteins in human cancers is the small Kirsten rat sarcoma homolog (KRAS) subunit of GTPase, which is typically the oncogene driver. KRASG12C is altered to keep the protein in an active GTP-binding form. KRAS has long been considered an 'undrugable' target, but sustained research efforts focusing on the KRASG12C mutant cysteine have achieved promising results. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has passed emergency approval for sotorasib and adagrasib for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. Such achievements have sparked several original approaches to KRASG12C. In this review, we focus on the design, development, and history of KRASG12C inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lala S Rathod
- Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra Pin-431001, India
| | - Pratap S Dabhade
- Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra Pin-431001, India
| | - Santosh N Mokale
- Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra Pin-431001, India.
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15
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O’Sullivan É, Keogh A, Henderson B, Finn SP, Gray SG, Gately K. Treatment Strategies for KRAS-Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1635. [PMID: 36980522 PMCID: PMC10046549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in KRAS are highly prevalent in solid tumours and are frequently found in 35% of lung, 45% of colorectal, and up to 90% of pancreatic cancers. Mutated KRAS is a prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC and is associated with a more aggressive clinical phenotype, highlighting the need for KRAS-targeted therapy. Once considered undruggable due to its smooth shallow surface, a breakthrough showed that the activated G12C-mutated KRAS isozyme can be directly inhibited via a newly identified switch II pocket. This discovery led to the development of a new class of selective small-molecule inhibitors against the KRAS G12C isoform. Sotorasib and adagrasib are approved in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. Currently, there are at least twelve KRAS G12C inhibitors being tested in clinical trials, either as a single agent or in combination. In this study, KRAS mutation prevalence, subtypes, rates of occurrence in treatment-resistant invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas (IMAs), and novel drug delivery options are reviewed. Additionally, the current status of KRAS inhibitors, multiple resistance mechanisms that limit efficacy, and their use in combination treatment strategies and novel multitargeted approaches in NSCLC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éabha O’Sullivan
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Keogh
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Pathology, Central Pathology Laboratory, St. James’s Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian Henderson
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen P. Finn
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Pathology, Central Pathology Laboratory, St. James’s Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
| | - Steven G. Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Pathology, Central Pathology Laboratory, St. James’s Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathy Gately
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Pathology, Central Pathology Laboratory, St. James’s Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Zhou Y, Hancock JF. RAS nanoclusters are cell surface transducers that convert extracellular stimuli to intracellular signalling. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:892-908. [PMID: 36595205 PMCID: PMC10919257 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14569] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations of rat sarcoma virus (RAS) oncogenes (HRAS, KRAS and NRAS) can contribute to the development of cancers and genetic disorders (RASopathies). The spatiotemporal organization of RAS is an important property that warrants further investigation. In order to function, wild-type or oncogenic mutants of RAS must be localized to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM), which is driven by interactions between their C-terminal membrane-anchoring domains and PM lipids. The isoform-specific RAS-lipid interactions promote the formation of nanoclusters on the PM. As main sites for effector recruitment, these nanoclusters are biologically important. Since the spatial distribution of lipids is sensitive to changing environments, such as mechanical and electrical perturbations, RAS nanoclusters act as transducers to convert external stimuli to intracellular mitogenic signalling. As such, effective inhibition of RAS oncogenesis requires consideration of the complex interplay between RAS nanoclusters and various cell surface and extracellular stimuli. In this review, we discuss in detail how, by sorting specific lipids in the PM, RAS nanoclusters act as transducers to convert external stimuli into intracellular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, TX, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center, TX, USA
| | - John F Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, TX, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center, TX, USA
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17
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Dynamic regulation of RAS and RAS signaling. Biochem J 2023; 480:1-23. [PMID: 36607281 PMCID: PMC9988006 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS proteins regulate most aspects of cellular physiology. They are mutated in 30% of human cancers and 4% of developmental disorders termed Rasopathies. They cycle between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states. When active, they can interact with a wide range of effectors that control fundamental biochemical and biological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that RAS proteins are not simple on/off switches but sophisticated information processing devices that compute cell fate decisions by integrating external and internal cues. A critical component of this compute function is the dynamic regulation of RAS activation and downstream signaling that allows RAS to produce a rich and nuanced spectrum of biological outputs. We discuss recent findings how the dynamics of RAS and its downstream signaling is regulated. Starting from the structural and biochemical properties of wild-type and mutant RAS proteins and their activation cycle, we examine higher molecular assemblies, effector interactions and downstream signaling outputs, all under the aspect of dynamic regulation. We also consider how computational and mathematical modeling approaches contribute to analyze and understand the pleiotropic functions of RAS in health and disease.
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18
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Pagba C, Gupta AK, Naji AK, van der Hoeven D, Churion K, Liang X, Jakubec J, Hook M, Zuo Y, Martinez de Kraatz M, Frost JA, Gorfe AA. KRAS Inhibitor that Simultaneously Inhibits Nucleotide Exchange Activity and Effector Engagement. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:617-626. [PMID: 37101428 PMCID: PMC10125367 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
We describe a small molecule ligand ACA-14 (2-hydroxy-5-{[(2-phenylcyclopropyl) carbonyl] amino} benzoic acid) as an initial lead for the development of direct inhibitors of KRAS, a notoriously difficult anticancer drug target. We show that the compound binds to KRAS near the switch regions with affinities in the low micromolar range and exerts different effects on KRAS interactions with binding partners. Specifically, ACA-14 impedes the interaction of KRAS with its effector Raf and reduces both intrinsic and SOS-mediated nucleotide exchange rates. Likely as a result of these effects, ACA-14 inhibits signal transduction through the MAPK pathway in cells expressing mutant KRAS and inhibits the growth of pancreatic and colon cancer cells harboring mutant KRAS. We thus propose compound ACA-14 as a useful initial lead for the development of broad-acting inhibitors that target multiple KRAS mutants and simultaneously deplete the fraction of GTP-loaded KRAS while abrogating the effector-binding ability of the already GTP-loaded fraction.
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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 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
| | - Ali K. Naji
- Department
of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Dharini van der Hoeven
- Department
of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Kelly Churion
- Center
for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Xiaowen 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
| | - Jacob Jakubec
- 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
| | - Magnus Hook
- Center
for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yan Zuo
- 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
| | - Marisela Martinez de Kraatz
- 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
| | - Jeffrey A. Frost
- 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 & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School
of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United
States
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19
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Forzisi E, Sesti F. Non-conducting functions of ion channels: The case of integrin-ion channel complexes. Channels (Austin) 2022; 16:185-197. [PMID: 35942524 PMCID: PMC9364710 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2022.2108565] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Started as an academic curiosity more than two decades ago, the idea that ion channels can regulate cellular processes in ways that do not depend on their conducting properties (non-ionic functions) gained traction and is now a flourishing area of research. Channels can regulate physiological processes including actin cytoskeletal remodeling, cell motility, excitation-contraction coupling, non-associative learning and embryogenesis, just to mention some, through non-ionic functions. When defective, non-ionic functions can give rise to channelopathies involved in cancer, neurodegenerative disease and brain trauma. Ion channels exert their non-ionic functions through a variety of mechanisms that range from physical coupling with other proteins, to possessing enzymatic activity, to assembling with signaling molecules. In this article, we take stock of the field and review recent findings. The concept that emerges, is that one of the most common ways through which channels acquire non-ionic attributes, is by assembling with integrins. These integrin-channel complexes exhibit broad genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity and reveal a pleiotropic nature, as they appear to be capable of influencing both physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Forzisi
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, NJ, USA
| | - Federico Sesti
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, NJ, USA
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20
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Lee J, Lee HJ, Lee Y, Lim B, Gam J, Oh DC, Lee J. Development of PD3 and PD3-B for PDEδ inhibition to modulate KRAS activity. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1656-1666. [PMID: 35695156 PMCID: PMC9225715 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2086865] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive efforts over 40 years, few effective KRAS inhibitors have been developed to date, mainly due to the undruggable features of KRAS proteins. In addition to the direct approach to KRAS via covalent inhibition, modulation of the prenyl-binding protein PDEδ that binds with farnesylated KRAS has emerged as an alternative strategy to abrogate KRAS activity. For the verification of new therapeutic strategies, chemical probes with the dual functions of visualisation and pharmacological inhibition against oncogenic proteins are enormously valuable to understand cellular events related to cancer. Here, we report indolizino[3,2-c]quinoline (IQ)-based fluorescent probes (PD3 and PD3-B) for PDEδ inhibition. By using the unique fluorescent characteristics of the IQ scaffold, a fluorescence polarisation (FP)-based binding assay identified PD3 as the most effective PDEδ probe among the tested PD analogues, with a low Kd value of 0.491 µM and long retention time in the binding site of PDEδ. In particular, a FP-based competition assay using deltarasin verified that PD3 occupies the farnesylation binding site of PDEδ, excluding the possibility that the FP signals resulted from non-specific hydrophobic interactions between the ligand and protein in the assay. We also designed and synthesised PD3-B (5), an affinity-based probe (ABP) from the PD3 structure, which enabled us to pull down PDEδ from bacterial lysates containing a large number of intrinsic bacterial proteins. Finally, KRAS relocalization was verified in PANC-1 cells by treatment with PD3, suggesting its potential as an effective probe to target PDEδ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongcheol Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumhee Lim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsik Gam
- Department of Medicinal Bioscience, College of Interdisciplinary & Creative Studies, Konyang University, Nonsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chan Oh
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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Giliberto M, Santana LM, Holien T, Misund K, Nakken S, Vodak D, Hovig E, Meza-Zepeda LA, Coward E, Waage A, Taskén K, Skånland SS. Mutational analysis and protein profiling predict drug sensitivity in multiple myeloma cell lines. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1040730. [PMID: 36523963 PMCID: PMC9745900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1040730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease where cancer-driver mutations and aberrant signaling may lead to disease progression and drug resistance. Drug responses vary greatly, and there is an unmet need for biomarkers that can guide precision cancer medicine in this disease. METHODS To identify potential predictors of drug sensitivity, we applied integrated data from drug sensitivity screening, mutational analysis and functional signaling pathway profiling in 9 cell line models of MM. We studied the sensitivity to 33 targeted drugs and their association with the mutational status of cancer-driver genes and activity level of signaling proteins. RESULTS We found that sensitivity to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors correlated with mutations in NRAS/KRAS, and PI3K family genes, respectively. Phosphorylation status of MEK1 and protein kinase B (AKT) correlated with sensitivity to MEK and PI3K inhibition, respectively. In addition, we found that enhanced phosphorylation of proteins, including Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), as well as high expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), correlated with low sensitivity to MEK inhibitors. DISCUSSION Taken together, this study shows that mutational status and signaling protein profiling might be used in further studies to predict drug sensitivities and identify resistance markers in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaserena Giliberto
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leonardo Miranda Santana
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Toril Holien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Hematology, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kristine Misund
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sigve Nakken
- Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Vodak
- Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Genomics Core Facility, Department of Core Facilities, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eivind Hovig
- Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leonardo A. Meza-Zepeda
- Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Genomics Core Facility, Department of Core Facilities, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eivind Coward
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anders Waage
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Hematology, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrid S. Skånland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Peacock DM, Kelly MJS, Shokat KM. Probing the KRas Switch II Groove by Fluorine NMR Spectroscopy. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2710-2715. [PMID: 36166818 PMCID: PMC9594042 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00566] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
While there has been recent success in the development of KRasG12C inhibitors, unmet needs for selective inhibitors of KRasG12D and the remaining oncogenic KRas proteins remain. Here, we applied trifluoromethyl-containing ligands of KRas proteins as competitive probe ligands to assay the occupancy of the switch II pocket by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Structure-activity-relationship studies of probe ligands increased the sensitivity of the assay and identified structures that differentially detected each nucleotide state of KRasG12D. These differences in selectivity, combined with the high resolution of 19F NMR spectroscopy, enabled this method to be expanded to assay both nucleotide states of the protein simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Matthew Peacock
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Mark J. S. Kelly
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California San Francisco, San
Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Kevan M. Shokat
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States,Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, California 94158, United States,E-mail:
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23
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Volovat SR, Augustin I, Zob D, Boboc D, Amurariti F, Volovat C, Stefanescu C, Stolniceanu CR, Ciocoiu M, Dumitras EA, Danciu M, Apostol DGC, Drug V, Shurbaji SA, Coca LG, Leon F, Iftene A, Herghelegiu PC. Use of Personalized Biomarkers in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and the Impact of AI. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194834. [PMID: 36230757 PMCID: PMC9562853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194834] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide and is correlated with genetic and epigenetic alterations in the colonic epithelium. Genetic changes play a major role in the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer through the development of gene mutations, but recent research has shown an important role for epigenetic alterations. In this review, we try to describe the current knowledge about epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as the role of non-coding RNAs as epigenetic regulators and the prognostic and predictive biomarkers in metastatic colorectal disease that can allow increases in the effectiveness of treatments. Additionally, the intestinal microbiota’s composition can be an important biomarker for the response to strategies based on the immunotherapy of CRC. The identification of biomarkers in mCRC can be enhanced by developing artificial intelligence programs. We present the actual models that implement AI technology as a bridge connecting ncRNAs with tumors and conducted some experiments to improve the quality of the model used as well as the speed of the model that provides answers to users. In order to carry out this task, we implemented six algorithms: the naive Bayes classifier, the random forest classifier, the decision tree classifier, gradient boosted trees, logistic regression and SVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona-Ruxandra Volovat
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Iolanda Augustin
- Department of Medical Oncology, AI.Trestioreanu Institute of Oncology, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Zob
- Department of Medical Oncology, AI.Trestioreanu Institute of Oncology, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Boboc
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Amurariti
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Constantin Volovat
- Department of Medical Oncology, “Euroclinic” Center of Oncology, 2 Vasile Conta Str., 700106 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Cipriana Stefanescu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Cati Raluca Stolniceanu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Manuela Ciocoiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Eduard Alexandru Dumitras
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Danciu
- Pathology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Vasile Drug
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str., 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Gastroenterology Clinic, Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ‘St. Spiridon’ Clinical Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Sinziana Al Shurbaji
- Gastroenterology Clinic, Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ‘St. Spiridon’ Clinical Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Lucia-Georgiana Coca
- Faculty of Computer Science, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Leon
- Faculty of Automatic Control and Computer Engineering, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Adrian Iftene
- Faculty of Computer Science, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Paul-Corneliu Herghelegiu
- Faculty of Automatic Control and Computer Engineering, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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24
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Mulcrone PL, Herzog RW, Xiao W. Adding recombinant AAVs to the cancer therapeutics mix. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 27:73-88. [PMID: 36321134 PMCID: PMC9588955 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a powerful biological tool that is reshaping therapeutic landscapes for several diseases. Researchers are using both non-viral and viral-based gene therapy methods with success in the lab and the clinic. In the cancer biology field, gene therapies are expanding treatment options and the possibility of favorable outcomes for patients. While cellular immunotherapies and oncolytic virotherapies have paved the way in cancer treatments based on genetic engineering, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), a viral-based module, is also emerging as a potential cancer therapeutic through its malleability, specificity, and broad application to common as well as rare tumor types, tumor microenvironments, and metastatic disease. A wide range of AAV serotypes, promoters, and transgenes have been successful at reducing tumor growth and burden in preclinical studies, suggesting more groundbreaking advances using rAAVs in cancer are on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L. Mulcrone
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Roland W. Herzog
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Weidong Xiao
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA,Corresponding author Weidong Xiao, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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25
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Tripathi P, Soni R, Antra, Tandon V. Pixantrone confers radiosensitization in KRAS mutated cancer cells by suppression of radiation-induced prosurvival pathways. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 190:351-362. [PMID: 35970251 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Radioresistance towards radiation therapy has generated the need for the development of radiosensitizers as a potential drug. KRAS mutation brings radioresistance in tumor cells. The present work proves sensitization of cancer cells towards radiotherapy through inhibition of KRAS activation. Acquiring a drug repurposing approach, the in-silico screening revealed that pixantrone, an antineoplastic drug, possesses a high affinity towards KRAS G12C and G12D subtypes. The SPR study suggests that maximum affinity of pixantrone was observed with KRAS G12C>WT>G12D and G12S. Pixantrone potentially inhibited the KRAS activation in stable transfectants G12C and G12D cell lines and radiosensitized distinct KRAS mutant subtype cells. The combination of pixantrone with radiation causes enhanced dsDNA breaks along with enhanced ATM expression, and increased late apoptosis. The preclinical studies on NCr-fox1nu xenograft mice showed potent inhibition of tumor progression and prolonged survival of mcie due to the radiosensitizing effect of pixantrone. Radiation-induced activation of key effector proteins of RAS downstream pathways, like MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, were downregulated in tumor cells upon combination treatment. Interestingly, a robust upregulation of senescence marker p21 was observed in the tumor cells in combination treatment. These findings reveal a convergence between KRAS signaling, pixantrone treatment, and radiation conferring tumor cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Tripathi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Ravi Soni
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, New Delhi-110054, India
| | - Antra
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Vibha Tandon
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India.
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26
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Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: What Has Changed in Recent Years? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153643. [PMID: 35892901 PMCID: PMC9332800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neoplasm originating from parafollicular C cells. MTC is a rare disease, but its prognosis is less favorable than that of well-differentiated thyroid cancers. To improve the prognosis of patients with MTC, early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic management are crucial. In the following paper, recent advances in laboratory and imaging diagnostics and also pharmacological and surgical therapies of MTC are discussed. Currently, a thriving direction of development for laboratory diagnostics is immunohistochemistry. The primary imaging modality in the diagnosis of MTC is the ultrasound, but opportunities for development are seen primarily in nuclear medicine techniques. Surgical management is the primary method of treating MTCs. There are numerous publications concerning the stratification of particular lymph node compartments for removal. With the introduction of more effective methods of intraoperative parathyroid identification, the complication rate of surgical treatment may be reduced. The currently used pharmacotherapy is characterized by high toxicity. Moreover, the main limitation of current pharmacotherapy is the development of drug resistance. Currently, there is ongoing research on the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), highly specific RET inhibitors, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These new therapies may improve the prognosis of patients with MTCs.
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27
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Mugarza E, van Maldegem F, Boumelha J, Moore C, Rana S, Llorian Sopena M, East P, Ambler R, Anastasiou P, Romero-Clavijo P, Valand K, Cole M, Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Therapeutic KRAS G12C inhibition drives effective interferon-mediated antitumor immunity in immunogenic lung cancers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm8780. [PMID: 35857848 PMCID: PMC9299537 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm8780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently developed KRASG12C inhibitory drugs are beneficial to lung cancer patients harboring KRASG12C mutations, but drug resistance frequently develops. Because of the immunosuppressive nature of the signaling network controlled by oncogenic KRAS, these drugs can indirectly affect antitumor immunity, providing a rationale for their combination with immune checkpoint blockade. In this study, we have characterized how KRASG12C inhibition reverses immunosuppression driven by oncogenic KRAS in a number of preclinical lung cancer models with varying levels of immunogenicity. Mechanistically, KRASG12C inhibition up-regulates interferon signaling via Myc inhibition, leading to reduced tumor infiltration by immunosuppressive cells, enhanced infiltration and activation of cytotoxic T cells, and increased antigen presentation. However, the combination of KRASG12C inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade only provides synergistic benefit in the most immunogenic tumor model. KRASG12C inhibition fails to sensitize cold tumors to immunotherapy, with implications for the design of clinical trials combining KRASG12C inhibitors with anti-PD1 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edurne Mugarza
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Febe van Maldegem
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jesse Boumelha
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Christopher Moore
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sareena Rana
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Miriam Llorian Sopena
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Philip East
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Rachel Ambler
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Panayiotis Anastasiou
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Pablo Romero-Clavijo
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Karishma Valand
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Megan Cole
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Miriam Molina-Arcas
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Lung Cancer Group, Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
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28
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29
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Sakamoto K, Lin B, Nunomura K, Izawa T, Nakagawa S. The K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory peptide KS-58 suppresses growth of murine CT26 colorectal cancer cell-derived tumors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8121. [PMID: 35581303 PMCID: PMC9114382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12401-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the cell proliferation regulator K-Ras are found with a variety of cancer types, so drugs targeting these mutant proteins could hold great clinical potential. Very recently, a drug targeting the K-Ras(G12C) mutant observed in lung cancer gained regulatory approval and several clinical trials are currently underway to examine the efficacy of this agent when combined with other drugs such as a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of programmed cell death 1 receptor (anti-PD-1). Alternatively, there are currently no approved drugs targeting K-Ras(G12D), the most common cancer-associated K-Ras mutant. In 2020, we described the development of the K-Ras(G12D) inhibitory bicyclic peptide KS-58 and presented evidence for anticancer activity against mouse xenografts derived from the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 stably expressing K-Ras(G12D). Here, we show that KS-58 also possess anticancer activity against mouse tumors derived from the colorectal cancer cell line CT26 stably expressing K-Ras(G12D). Further, KS-58 treatment reduced phosphorylation of ERK, a major downstream signaling factor in the Ras pathway, confirming that KS-58 inhibits K-Ras(G12D) function. Unexpectedly; however, KS-58 did not show additive or synergistic anticancer activity with mouse anti-PD-1. Morphological analysis and immunostaining demonstrated no obvious differences in CD8+ cells infiltration or PD-L1 expression levels in CT26-derived tumors exposed to monotherapy or combination treatment. Nonetheless, KS-58 demonstrated reasonable stability in blood (t1/2 ≈ 30 min) and no obvious systemic adverse effects, suggesting clinical potential as a lead molecule against colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sakamoto
- grid.459582.7Research & Development Department, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, 318-1 Asagi, Motosu, Gifu 501-0475 Japan
| | - Bangzhong Lin
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Kazuto Nunomura
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Takeshi Izawa
- grid.261455.10000 0001 0676 0594Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-Orai-Kita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531 Japan
| | - Shinsaku Nakagawa
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
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30
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Khan HY, Nagasaka M, Li Y, Aboukameel A, Uddin MH, Sexton R, Bannoura S, Mzannar Y, Al-Hallak MN, Kim S, Beydoun R, Landesman Y, Mamdani H, Uprety D, Philip PA, Mohammad RM, Shields AF, Azmi AS. Inhibitor of the Nuclear Transport Protein XPO1 Enhances the Anticancer Efficacy of KRAS G12C Inhibitors in Preclinical Models of KRAS G12C-Mutant Cancers. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:342-352. [PMID: 35573474 PMCID: PMC9105196 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The identification of molecules that can bind covalently to KRAS G12C and lock it in an inactive GDP-bound conformation has opened the door to targeting KRAS G12C selectively. These agents have shown promise in preclinical tumor models and clinical trials. FDA has recently granted approval to sotorasib for KRAS G12C mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients receiving these agents as monotherapy generally develop drug resistance over time. This necessitates the development of multi-targeted approaches that can potentially sensitize tumors to KRAS inhibitors. We generated KRAS G12C inhibitor-resistant cell lines and observed that they exhibit sensitivity toward selinexor, a selective inhibitor of nuclear export protein exportin1 (XPO1), as a single agent. KRAS G12C inhibitors in combination with selinexor suppressed the proliferation of KRAS G12C mutant cancer cell lines in a synergistic manner. Moreover, combined treatment of selinexor with KRAS G12C inhibitors resulted in enhanced spheroid disintegration, reduction in the number and size of colonies formed by G12C mutant cancer cells. Mechanistically, the combination of selinexor with KRAS G12C inhibitors suppressed cell growth signaling and downregulated the expression of cell cycle markers, KRAS and NF-kB as well as increased nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor protein Rb. In an in vivo KRAS G12C cell-derived xenograft model, oral administration of a combination of selinexor and sotorasib was demonstrated to reduce tumor burden and enhance survival. In conclusion, we have shown that the nuclear transport protein XPO1 inhibitor can enhance the anticancer activity of KRAS G12C inhibitors in preclinical cancer models. Significance In this study, combining nuclear transport inhibitor selinexor with KRAS G12C inhibitors has resulted in potent antitumor effects in preclinical cancer models. This can be an effective combination therapy for cancer patients that do not respond or develop resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husain Yar Khan
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Misako Nagasaka
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange CA 92868, USA; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA 92868, USA.,Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yiwei Li
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Amro Aboukameel
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Md Hafiz Uddin
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Rachel Sexton
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Sahar Bannoura
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Yousef Mzannar
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Mohammed Najeeb Al-Hallak
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Steve Kim
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Rafic Beydoun
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | | | - Hirva Mamdani
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Dipesh Uprety
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Anthony F Shields
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI 48201, USA
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31
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KRAS is vulnerable to reversible switch-II pocket engagement in cells. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:596-604. [PMID: 35314814 PMCID: PMC9135634 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-00985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Current small-molecule inhibitors of KRAS(G12C) bind irreversibly in the switch-II pocket (SII-P), exploiting the strong nucleophilicity of the acquired cysteine as well as the preponderance of the GDP-bound form of this mutant. Nevertheless, many oncogenic KRAS mutants lack these two features, and it remains unknown whether targeting the SII-P is a practical therapeutic approach for KRAS mutants beyond G12C. Here we use NMR spectroscopy and a cellular KRAS engagement assay to address this question by examining a collection of SII-P ligands from the literature and from our own laboratory. We show that the SII-Ps of many KRAS hotspot (G12, G13, Q61) mutants are accessible using noncovalent ligands, and that this accessibility is not necessarily coupled to the GDP state of KRAS. The results we describe here emphasize the SII-P as a privileged drug-binding site on KRAS and unveil new therapeutic opportunities in RAS-driven cancer. ![]()
The use of NMR spectroscopy and development of a cellular BRET KRAS engagement assay revealed that noncovalent ligands can access the switch-II pocket of KRAS hotspot mutants.
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32
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Zhou C, Fan Z, Zhou Z, Li Y, Cui R, Liu C, Zhou G, Diao X, Jiang H, Zheng M, Zhang S, Xu T. Discovery of the First-in-Class Agonist-Based SOS1 PROTACs Effective in Human Cancer Cells Harboring Various KRAS Mutations. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3923-3942. [PMID: 35230841 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Regulating SOS1 functions may result in targeted pan-KRAS therapies. Small-molecule SOS1 inhibitors showed promising anticancer potential, and the most advanced inhibitor BI 1701963 is currently under phase I clinical studies. SOS1 agonists provide new opportunities to treat cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms still warrant investigation. We here report the discovery of the first SOS1 PROTACs designed uniquely by connecting a VHL ligand to the reported SOS1 agonist, ensuring that the observed inhibitory activity results from degraders. The best compound 9d induced SOS1 degradation in various KRAS-driven cancer cells and displayed superior antiproliferation activity compared to the agonist itself. Tumor xenograft study clearly showed the promising antitumor potency of 9d against human lung cancer. This study provides good evidence of using agonists to design SOS1 PROTACs and demonstrates that targeted SOS1 degradation represents an effective therapeutic strategy for overcoming KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zisheng Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zehui Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Masonic Cancer Center & Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Rongrong Cui
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chaoyi Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xingxing Diao
- Shanghai Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Kulkarni AM, Kumar V, Parate S, Lee G, Yoon S, Lee KW. Identification of New KRAS G12D Inhibitors through Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031309. [PMID: 35163234 PMCID: PMC8836163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to several mutations, the oncogene Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is activated in the majority of cancers, and targeting it has been pharmacologically challenging. In this study, using an in silico approach comprised of pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, potential KRAS G12D inhibitors were investigated. A ligand-based common feature pharmacophore model was generated to identify the framework necessary for effective KRAS inhibition. The chemical features in the selected pharmacophore model comprised two hydrogen bond donors, one hydrogen bond acceptor, two aromatic rings and one hydrophobic feature. This model was used for screening in excess of 214,000 compounds from InterBioScreen (IBS) and ZINC databases. Eighteen compounds from the IBS and ten from the ZINC database mapped onto the pharmacophore model and were subjected to molecular docking. Molecular docking results highlighted a higher affinity of four hit compounds towards KRAS G12D in comparison to the reference inhibitor, BI-2852. Sequential molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies revealed all four hit compounds them possess higher KRAS G12D binding free energy and demonstrate stable polar interaction with key residues. Further, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis of the hit compounds in complex with KRAS G12D also indicated stability. Overall, the research undertaken provides strong support for further in vitro testing of these newly identified KRAS G12D inhibitors, particularly Hit1 and Hit2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva M. Kulkarni
- Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Science, Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.M.K.); (V.K.); (S.Y.)
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Science, Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.M.K.); (V.K.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shraddha Parate
- Division of Applied Life Science, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Gihwan Lee
- Division of Applied Life Science, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Sanghwa Yoon
- Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Science, Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.M.K.); (V.K.); (S.Y.)
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio and Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Science, Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.M.K.); (V.K.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Drosten M, Barbacid M. Targeting KRAS mutant lung cancer: light at the end of the tunnel. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1057-1071. [PMID: 34951114 PMCID: PMC8895444 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) have been refractory to therapeutic strategies based on personalized medicine owing to the complexity of designing inhibitors to selectively target KRAS and downstream targets with acceptable toxicities. The recent development of selective KRASG12C inhibitors represents a landmark after 40 years of intense research efforts since the identification of KRAS as a human oncogene. Here, we discuss the mechanisms responsible for the rapid development of resistance to these inhibitors, as well as potential strategies to overcome this limitation. Other therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting KRAS oncogenic signaling by targeting either upstream activators or downstream effectors are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the effect of targeting the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, both based on the failure of MEK and ERK inhibitors in clinical trials, as well as on the recent identification of RAF1 as a potential target due to its MAPK‐independent activity. These new developments, taken together, are likely to open new avenues to effectively treat KRAS mutant LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Drosten
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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35
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Cuesta C, Arévalo-Alameda C, Castellano E. The Importance of Being PI3K in the RAS Signaling Network. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12071094. [PMID: 34356110 PMCID: PMC8303222 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are essential mediators of a multitude of cellular processes, and its deregulation is frequently associated with cancer appearance, progression, and metastasis. Ras-driven cancers are usually aggressive and difficult to treat. Although the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first Ras G12C inhibitor is an important milestone, only a small percentage of patients will benefit from it. A better understanding of the context in which Ras operates in different tumor types and the outcomes mediated by each effector pathway may help to identify additional strategies and targets to treat Ras-driven tumors. Evidence emerging in recent years suggests that both oncogenic Ras signaling in tumor cells and non-oncogenic Ras signaling in stromal cells play an essential role in cancer. PI3K is one of the main Ras effectors, regulating important cellular processes such as cell viability or resistance to therapy or angiogenesis upon oncogenic Ras activation. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of Ras-dependent activation of PI3K both in physiological conditions and cancer, with a focus on how this signaling pathway contributes to the formation of a tumor stroma that promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and spread.
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Di Federico A, Tateo V, Parisi C, Formica F, Carloni R, Frega G, Rizzo A, Ricci D, Di Marco M, Palloni A, Brandi G. Hacking Pancreatic Cancer: Present and Future of Personalized Medicine. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:677. [PMID: 34358103 PMCID: PMC8308563 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a recalcitrant disease characterized by high incidence and poor prognosis. The extremely complex genomic landscape of PC has a deep influence on cultivating a tumor microenvironment, resulting in the promotion of tumor growth, drug resistance, and immune escape mechanisms. Despite outstanding progress in personalized medicine achieved for many types of cancer, chemotherapy still represents the mainstay of treatment for PC. Olaparib was the first agent to demonstrate a significant benefit in a biomarker-selected population, opening the doors for a personalized approach. Despite the failure of a large number of studies testing targeted agents or immunotherapy to demonstrate benefits over standard chemotherapy regimens, some interesting agents, alone or in combination with other drugs, have achieved promising results. A wide spectrum of therapeutic strategies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors tyrosine kinase inhibitors and agents targeting metabolic pathways or the tumor microenvironment, is currently under investigation. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future directions of personalized medicine for patients affected by PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Federico
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Tateo
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Parisi
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Formica
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Carloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Frega
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Dalia Ricci
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Di Marco
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (V.T.); (C.P.); (F.F.); (R.C.); (G.F.); (A.R.); (D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.B.)
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Okafor C, Hogan J, Raygada M, Thomas BJ, Akshintala S, Glod JW, Del Rivero J. Update on Targeted Therapy in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:708949. [PMID: 34489865 PMCID: PMC8416904 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.708949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that accounts for 2-4% of all thyroid cancers. All inherited MTC and approximately 50% of sporadic cases are driven by mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The recent expansion of the armamentarium of RET-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has provided effective options for systemic therapy for patients with metastatic and progressive disease. However, patients that develop resistant disease as well as those with other molecular drivers such as RAS have limited options. An improved understanding of mechanisms of resistance to TKIs as well as identification of novel therapeutic targets is needed to improve outcomes for patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Okafor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Julie Hogan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Margarita Raygada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Barbara J. Thomas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Srivandana Akshintala
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John W. Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jaydira Del Rivero,
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