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Pandey D, Chauhan SC, Kashyap VK, Roy KK. Structural insights into small-molecule KRAS inhibitors for targeting KRAS mutant cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116771. [PMID: 39167893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116771] [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: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral (KRAS) oncogene is the most frequently mutated isoform of RAS, associated with 85 % of RAS-driven cancers. KRAS functions as a signaling hub, participating in various cellular signaling pathways and regulating a wide range of important activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, and migration. Despite being the most frequently altered oncogenic protein in solid tumors, over the past four decades, KRAS has historically been considered "undruggable" owing to a lack of pharmacologically targetable pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, improvements in drug design and development have culminated in the development of selective inhibitors for KRAS mutants. Recent developments have led to the successful targeting of the KRASG12C mutant through covalent inhibitors that exploit the unique cysteine residue introduced by the mutation at 12th position. These inhibitors bind covalently to C12, locking KRAS in its inactive GDP-bound state and preventing downstream signaling. Some of these inhibitors have shown encouraging results in KRASG12C mutant cancer patients but suffer from drug resistance, toxicity, and low therapeutic efficacy. Recently, there have been great advancements in the discovery of drugs that directly target the switch I (S-I), switch-II (S-II) and S-I/II interface sites of KRAS mutant proteins. These include KRASG12C inhibitors like AMG510 (Sotorasib) and MRTX849 (Adagrasib), which have got FDA approval for non-small cell lung cancer harboring the KRASG12C mutation. There is no approved drug for cancers harboring other KRAS mutations, although efforts have expanded to target other KRAS mutations and the Switch I/II interface, aiming to disrupt KRAS-driven oncogenic signaling. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies have been instrumental in optimizing the binding affinity, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties of these inhibitors, leading to the development of promising therapeutic agents like Sotorasib and Adagrasib. This review provides an overview of the KRAS pathway, KRAS binding sites, strategies for direct and indirect inhibition using small molecules, and SAR based on the co-crystal structures of inhibitors with KRAS mutants which is expected to offer new hope for patients with KRAS-driven cancers through the development of new KRAS-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- Division of Cancer Immunology and Microbiology, Medicine and Oncology Integrated Service Unit, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (ST-CECR), McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Vivek K Kashyap
- Division of Cancer Immunology and Microbiology, Medicine and Oncology Integrated Service Unit, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (ST-CECR), McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Kuldeep K Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
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2
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Gregory MD, Ofosu-Asante K, Lazarte JMS, Puente PE, Tawfeeq N, Belony N, Huang Y, Offringa IA, Lamango NS. Treatment of a mutant KRAS lung cancer cell line with polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors activates the MAPK pathway, inhibits cell migration and induces apoptosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0312563. [PMID: 39436906 PMCID: PMC11495567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are the most common oncogenic mutations in lung adenocarcinoma in Black Americans. Polyisoprenylated Cysteinyl amide Inhibitors (PCAIs) constitute a group of potential cancer therapy agents that we designed to specifically disrupt and suppress hyperactive G-protein signaling, such as that caused by mutated RAS proteins. Here we determine the effects of PCAIs on the viability, G-protein levels, downstream mediators, and apoptosis-related proteins on the KRAS-mutated, Black American-derived lung adenocarcinoma cell line, NCI-H23. Of the 17 PCAIs tested, compounds NSL-YHJ-2-27 and NSL-YHJ-2-46 showed the most potency with EC50 values of 2.7 and 3.3 μM, respectively. Western blotting was used to determine the effect of the PCAIs on the phosphorylation levels of MAPK pathway enzymes. After 48 h exposure to 5 μM of the PCAIs, NSL-YHJ-2-46, the MAPK proteins BRAF, MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and p90RSK were activated through phosphorylation by 90, 190, 150 and 120%, respectively. However, CRAF/RAF1 phosphorylation decreased by 40%, suggesting significant changes in the KRAS/MAPK signaling patterns. Furthermore, 5 μM of NSL-YHJ-2-27 depleted the singly polyisoprenylated monomeric G-proteins RAC 1/2/3 and CDC42 by 77 and 76%, respectively. The depletion of these key cytoskeletal proteins may account for the observed inhibition of cell migration and invasion, and spheroid invasion observed on exposure to NSL-YHJ-2-27 and NSL-YHJ-2-46. Treatment with 5 μM of NSL-YHJ-2-27 suppressed full-length inactive caspase 3 and 7 levels by 72 and 91%, respectively. An analysis of cells treated with the fluorescently labeled active caspase 3/7 irreversible inhibitor, CaspaTagTM Caspase-3/7 in situ reagent revealed a 124% increase in active caspase at 3 μM over controls. These findings clearly show the direct effects of the PCAIs on the RAS signaling pathway. Given the profound increases observed in RPS6KA1/p90RSK phosphorylation, future work will involve a determination whether the proapoptotic isoforms of RPS6KA1/p90RSK are phosphorylated due to the PCAIs treatments. These results support the potential use of the PCAIs as targeted therapies against cancers with KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Gregory
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Kweku Ofosu-Asante
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Jassy Mary S. Lazarte
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Pablo E. Puente
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Nada Tawfeeq
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Nadine Belony
- University of Florida Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Yong Huang
- University of Florida Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Ite A. Offringa
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Nazarius S. Lamango
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
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3
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Ali AE, Li LL, Courtney MJ, Pentikäinen OT, Postila PA. Atomistic simulations reveal impacts of missense mutations on the structure and function of SynGAP1. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae458. [PMID: 39311700 PMCID: PMC11418247 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations in the synaptic GTPase activating protein (SynGAP) are associated with neurological disorders like intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism. SynGAP is also implicated in Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Although pathogenic variants are highly penetrant in neurodevelopmental conditions, a substantial number of them are caused by missense mutations that are difficult to diagnose. Hence, in silico mutagenesis was performed for probing the missense effects within the N-terminal region of SynGAP structure. Through extensive molecular dynamics simulations, encompassing three 150-ns replicates for 211 variants, the impact of missense mutations on the protein fold was assessed. The effect of the mutations on the folding stability was also quantitatively assessed using free energy calculations. The mutations were categorized as potentially pathogenic or benign based on their structural impacts. Finally, the study introduces wild-type-SynGAP in complex with RasGTPase at the inner membrane, while considering the potential effects of mutations on these key interactions. This study provides structural perspective to the clinical assessment of SynGAP missense variants and lays the foundation for future structure-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliaa E Ali
- MedChem.fi, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Li-Li Li
- Neuronal Signalling Laboratory and Turku Screening Unit, Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Michael J Courtney
- Neuronal Signalling Laboratory and Turku Screening Unit, Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli T Pentikäinen
- MedChem.fi, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka A Postila
- MedChem.fi, Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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4
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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and Hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh.
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5
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Yun SD, Scott E, Chang JY, Bahramimoghaddam H, Lynn M, Lantz C, Russell DH, Laganowsky A. Capturing RAS oligomerization on a membrane. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405986121. [PMID: 39145928 PMCID: PMC11348296 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405986121] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS GTPases associate with the biological membrane where they function as molecular switches to regulate cell growth. Recent studies indicate that RAS proteins oligomerize on membranes, and disrupting these assemblies represents an alternative therapeutic strategy. However, conflicting reports on RAS assemblies, ranging in size from dimers to nanoclusters, have brought to the fore key questions regarding the stoichiometry and parameters that influence oligomerization. Here, we probe three isoforms of RAS [Kirsten Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), Harvey Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (HRAS), and Neuroblastoma oncogene (NRAS)] directly from membranes using mass spectrometry. We show that KRAS on membranes in the inactive state (GDP-bound) is monomeric but forms dimers in the active state (GTP-bound). We demonstrate that the small molecule BI2852 can induce dimerization of KRAS, whereas the binding of effector proteins disrupts dimerization. We also show that RAS dimerization is dependent on lipid composition and reveal that oligomerization of NRAS is regulated by palmitoylation. By monitoring the intrinsic GTPase activity of RAS, we capture the emergence of a dimer containing either mixed nucleotides or GDP on membranes. We find that the interaction of RAS with the catalytic domain of Son of Sevenless (SOScat) is influenced by membrane composition. We also capture the activation and monomer to dimer conversion of KRAS by SOScat. These results not only reveal the stoichiometry of RAS assemblies on membranes but also uncover the impact of critical factors on oligomerization, encompassing regulation by nucleotides, lipids, and palmitoylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho D. Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Elena Scott
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Jing-Yuan Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | | | - Michael Lynn
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Carter Lantz
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - David H. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Arthur Laganowsky
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
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Ageta H, Nishioka T, Yamaguchi H, Tsuchida K, Ageta-Ishihara N. Comprehensive identification of ubiquitin-like 3 (UBL3)-interacting proteins in the mouse brain. Mol Brain 2024; 17:57. [PMID: 39148092 PMCID: PMC11325695 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01131-4] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Discovery of novel post-translational modifications provides new insights into changes in protein function, localization, and stability. They are also key elements in understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies. We have previously reported that ubiquitin-like 3 (UBL3) serves as a novel post-translational modifier that is highly expressed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, in addition to various other organs, and that 60% of proteins contained in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), including exosomes, are influenced by UBL3. In this study, we generated transgenic mice expressing biotinylated UBL3 in the forebrain under control of the alpha-CaMKII promoter (Ubl3Tg/+). Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of UBL3 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was 6- to 7-fold higher than that in the cerebellum. Therefore, we performed immunoprecipitation of protein extracts from the cerebral cortex of Ubl3+/+ and Ubl3Tg/+ mice using avidin beads to comprehensively discover UBL3 interacting proteins, identifying 35 new UBL3 interacting proteins. Nine proteins were annotated as extracellular exosomes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis suggested a new relationship between sEVs and RNA metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases. We confirmed the association of endogenous UBL3 with the RNA-binding proteins FUS and HPRT1-both listed in the Neurodegenerative Diseases Variation Database (NDDVD)-and with LYPLA1, which is involved in Huntington's disease, using immunoprecipitation (IP)-western blotting analysis. These UBL3 interacting proteins will accelerate the continued elucidation of sEV research about proteins regulated by novel post-translational modifications by UBL3 in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ageta
- Division for Therapies Against Intractable Diseases, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Tomoki Nishioka
- Open Facility Center, Research Promotion Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Hisateru Yamaguchi
- Department of Medical Technology, Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University, Yokkaichi, 512-8045, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Tsuchida
- Division for Therapies Against Intractable Diseases, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Natsumi Ageta-Ishihara
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi, Chiba, 274-8510, Japan.
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7
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Zheng Y, Zhong G, Song Q, Zhang H, Wang S, Lin C, He C, Li M. Mapping alternative splicing events in colorectal cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:280. [PMID: 39004679 PMCID: PMC11247070 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01149-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although aberrant splicing events of genes are closely related to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), the mapping of abnormal splicing events, especially alternative splicing (AS) event types and the underlying effects, remain investigational. In the present study, we analyzed a public RNA-seq database (GSE138202) and identified 14,314 significant AS events in CRC patients compared to healthy individuals. Most of the key genes such as oncogenes involved in the development of CRC have different AS event types. Moreover, the results demonstrate that certain AS events may play a significant role in the functioning of key genes involved in splicing factors and microRNAs. Furthermore, we observed that the oncogene CDK4 in CRC tends to undergo exon 2 skipping AS events, resulting in a stronger tendency for protein expression to form complexes with CCND1, thereby inhibiting the cell cycle and weakening cell proliferation, while enhancing cell migration capability. These findings not only provide new insights into the mechanism of AS in regulating CRC, but also offers a theoretical basis for targeted splicing therapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyu Song
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haonan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuangzhen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Mingsong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Hildebrandt ER, Hussain SA, Sieburg MA, Ravishankar R, Asad N, Gore S, Ito T, Hougland JL, Dore TM, Schmidt WK. Targeted genetic and small molecule disruption of N-Ras CaaX cleavage alters its localization and oncogenic potential. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107316. [PMID: 38583246 PMCID: PMC11098683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107316] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Ras GTPases and other CaaX proteins undergo multiple post-translational modifications at their carboxyl-terminus. These events initiate with prenylation of a cysteine and are followed by endoproteolytic removal of the 'aaX' tripeptide and carboxylmethylation. Some CaaX proteins are only subject to prenylation, however, due to the presence of an uncleavable sequence. In this study, uncleavable sequences were used to stage Ras isoforms in a farnesylated and uncleaved state to address the impact of CaaX proteolysis on protein localization and function. This targeted strategy is more specific than those that chemically inhibit the Rce1 CaaX protease or delete the RCE1 gene because global abrogation of CaaX proteolysis impacts the entire CaaX protein proteome and effects cannot be attributed to any specific CaaX protein of the many concurrently affected. With this targeted strategy, clear mislocalization and reduced activity of farnesylated and uncleaved Ras isoforms was observed. In addition, new peptidomimetics based on cleavable Ras CaaX sequences and the uncleavable CAHQ sequence were synthesized and tested as Rce1 inhibitors using in vitro and cell-based assays. Consistently, these non-hydrolyzable peptidomimetic Rce1 inhibitors recapitulate Ras mislocalization effects when modeled on cleavable but not uncleavable CaaX sequences. These findings indicate that a prenylated and uncleavable CaaX sequence, which can be easily applied to a wide range of mammalian CaaX proteins, can be used to probe the specific impact of CaaX proteolysis on CaaX protein properties under conditions of an otherwise normally processed CaaX protein proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Hildebrandt
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Shaneela A Hussain
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Rajani Ravishankar
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nadeem Asad
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sangram Gore
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Takahiro Ito
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - James L Hougland
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA; Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA; BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Timothy M Dore
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Walter K Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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9
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Wang S, Xing X, Ma J, Zheng S, Song Q, Zhang P. Deacylases-structure, function, and relationship to diseases. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:959-977. [PMID: 38644468 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14885] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Reversible S-acylation plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, modulating protein functions such as subcellular localization, protein stability/activity, and protein-protein interactions. These modifications are mediated by acyltransferases and deacylases, among which the most abundant modification is S-palmitoylation. Growing evidence has shown that this rivalrous pair of modifications, occurring in a reversible cycle, is essential for various biological functions. Aberrations in this process have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and immune diseases. This underscores the importance of studying enzymes involved in acylation and deacylation to gain further insights into disease pathogenesis and provide novel strategies for disease treatment. In this Review, we summarize our current understanding of the structure and physiological function of deacylases, highlighting their pivotal roles in pathology. Our aim is to provide insights for further clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Wang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Xiaoke Xing
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Jialin Ma
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Sihao Zheng
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Pingfeng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
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10
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Mirisola MG, Longo VD. Inactivation of Ymr1, Sjl2/3 phosphatases promotes stress resistance and longevity in wild type and Ras2G19V yeast. Biomed J 2024; 47:100694. [PMID: 38154617 PMCID: PMC10950826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, RAt Sarcoma (Ras) activity plays a central role in mediating the effect of glucose in decreasing stress resistance and longevity, with constitutive Ras activation mutations promoting cell growth and oncogenesis. Here, we used transposon mutagenesis in yeast to identify suppressors of the constitutively active Ras2G19V, orthologue of the KRASG12C mammalian oncogene. We identified mutations in Yeast Myotubularin Related (YMR1), SynaptoJanin-Like (SJL2) and SJL3 phosphatases, which target phosphatidylinositol phosphates, as the most potent suppressors of constitutive active Ras, able to reverse its effect on stress sensitization and sufficient to extend longevity. In sjl2 mutants, the staining of Ras-GTP switched from membrane-associated to a diffuse cytoplasmic staining, suggesting that it may block Ras activity by preventing its localization. Whereas expression of the Sjl2 PI 3,4,5 phosphatase mediated stress sensitization in both the Ras2G19V and wild type backgrounds, overexpression of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase VPS34 (Vacuolar Protein Sorting), promoted heat shock sensitization only in the Ras2G19V background, suggesting a complex relationship between different phosphatidylinositol and stress resistance. These results provide potential targets to inhibit the growth of cancer cells with constitutive Ras activity and link the glucose-dependent yeast pro-aging Ras signaling pathway to the well-established pro-aging PhosphoInositide 3-Kinase(PI3K) pathway in worms and other species raising the possibility that the conserved longevity effect of mutations in the PI3K-AKT (AK strain Transforming) pathway may involve inhibition of Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Mirisola
- SteBiCeF Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - V D Longo
- IFOM, AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Longevity Institute and Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Chi Y, Yuan H, Fan Q, Wang Z, Niu Z, Yu J, Yuan D. Clinical-Molecular characteristics and Post-Translational modifications of colorectal cancer in north China: Implications for future targeted therapies. Gene 2024; 899:148134. [PMID: 38185290 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148134] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
This study delineated the elucidate molecular changes and their post-translational modifications (PTMs) in heterogenetic colorectal cancer (CRC) for a deeper understanding of the CRC pathophysiology and identifying potential therapeutic targets. In this retrospective study, the profiles of 13 hot spot gene mutations were analyzed and the microsatellite instability (MSI) status was determined.Employing the Circulating Single-Molecule Amplification and Resequencing Technology (cSMART) assay, the clinical-pathological features of CRC were characterized in 249 Chinese patients. PTMs were quantified online.Among the patients with CRC, the mutation frequencies of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, TP53, and APC genes were 47.8%, 3.6%, 4.8%, 13.7%, 55.8%, and 36.9%, respectively. The proportion of MSI-high (MSI-H) was 7.8%.Subsequent multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant associations including a link between lung metastasis and KRAS mutation, between liver metastasis and lymph node metastasis, between MSI-H and early-onset CRC (EOCRC) and KRAS mutation, between right-sided colon cancer and peritoneal metastasis, and between PIK3CA mutation and PTEN mutation. Patients with KRAS mutation presented with MSI-H, lung metastasis, and PIK3CA mutation. MSI-H, BRAF mutation, and PTEN mutation were more frequent in EOCRC. Phosphorylation and ubiquitylation were found in KRAS, BRAF, PTEN, and SMAD4; SUMOylation and ubiquitylation were observed in HRAS and NRAS; while phosphorylation was obvious in APC, P53, and MLH1. Notably, Phosphorylation and ubiquitylation were the two most common PTMs. The biological characteristics of CRC in Chinese patients have some unique clinical features, which can be explained by the genetic mutation profile, correlations among gene mutations and clinical characteristics. These distinctions set the Chinese patient population apart from their Western counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Chi
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; Cancer Center, The General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtu Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhendan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zuoxing Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dandan Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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12
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Neumann S, Kuteykin-Teplyakov K, Heumann R. Neuronal Protection by Ha-RAS-GTPase Signaling through Selective Downregulation of Plasmalemmal Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel-1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3030. [PMID: 38474278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase RAS acts as a plasma membrane-anchored intracellular neurotrophin counteracting neuronal degeneration in the brain, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In transgenic mice expressing constitutively activated V12-Ha-RAS selectively in neurons, proteome analysis uncovered a 70% decrease in voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) in the cortex and hippocampus. We observed a corresponding reduction in the levels of mRNA splicing variant coding for plasma membrane-targeted VDAC-1 (pl-VDAC-1) while mRNA levels for mitochondrial membrane VDAC-1 (mt-VDAC-1) remained constant. In primary cortical neurons derived from V12-Ha-RAS animals, a decrease in pl-VDAC-1 mRNA levels was observed, accompanied by a concomitant reduction in the ferricyanide reductase activity associated with VDAC-1 protein. Application of MEK inhibitor U0126 to transgenic cortical neurons reconstituted pl-VDAC-1 mRNA to reach wild-type levels. Excitotoxic glutamate-induced cell death was strongly attenuated in transgenic V12-Ha-RAS overexpressing cortical cultures. Consistently, a neuroprotective effect could also be achieved in wild-type cortical cultures by the extracellular application of channel-blocking antibody targeting the N-terminus of VDAC-1. These results may encourage novel therapeutic approaches toward blocking pl-VDAC-1 by monoclonal antibody targeting for complementary treatments in transplantation and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Neumann
- Department of Biochemistry II-Molecular Neurobiochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Konstantin Kuteykin-Teplyakov
- Department of Biochemistry II-Molecular Neurobiochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Rolf Heumann
- Department of Biochemistry II-Molecular Neurobiochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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13
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Unat B. The Rat Sarcoma Virus (RAS) Family of Proteins in Sarcomas. Cureus 2024; 16:e57082. [PMID: 38681356 PMCID: PMC11052699 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The rat sarcoma virus (RAS) protein family plays a crucial role in facilitating communication both within and between cells, thereby governing fundamental cellular processes such as growth, survival, and differentiation. The RAS family comprises four members of small GTPases, namely Harvey RAS (H-RAS), Kirsten RAS (K-RAS, two splice variants, 4A and 4B), and Neuroblastoma RAS (N-RAS), and these are encoded by three cellular RAS genes. Mutations in these genes play a significant role in cancer development and progression. Accordingly, here we review and discuss currently available literature about the fate and function of the RAS family of proteins in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beytullah Unat
- Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gaziantep City Hospital, Gaziantep, TUR
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14
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Uda M, Yoshihara T, Ichinoseki‐Sekine N, Baba T. Effects of hindlimb unloading on the mevalonate and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling pathways in a fast-twitch muscle in rats. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15969. [PMID: 38453353 PMCID: PMC10920058 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fast-twitch muscles are less susceptible to disuse atrophy, activate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, and increase protein synthesis under prolonged muscle disuse conditions. However, the mechanism underlying prolonged muscle disuse-induced mTORC1 signaling activation remains unclear. The mevalonate pathway activates the mTORC1 signaling pathway via the prenylation and activation of Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb). Therefore, we investigated the effects of hindlimb unloading (HU) for 14 days on the mevalonate and mTORC1 signaling pathways in the plantaris muscle, a fast-twitch muscle, in adult male rats. Rats were divided into HU and control groups. The plantaris muscles of both groups were harvested after the treatment period, and the expression and phosphorylation levels of metabolic and intracellular signaling proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. We found that HU increased the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, and activated the mTORC1 signaling pathway without activating AKT, an upstream activator of mTORC1. Furthermore, HU increased prenylated Rheb. Collectively, these findings suggest that the activated mevalonate pathway may be involved in the activation of the Rheb/mTORC1 signaling pathway without AKT activation in fast-twitch muscles under prolonged disuse conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munehiro Uda
- School of NursingHirosaki Gakuin UniversityHirosakiAomoriJapan
| | - Toshinori Yoshihara
- Graduate School of Health and Sports ScienceJuntendo UniversityInzaiChibaJapan
| | - Noriko Ichinoseki‐Sekine
- Graduate School of Health and Sports ScienceJuntendo UniversityInzaiChibaJapan
- Faculty of Liberal ArtsThe Open University of JapanChibaJapan
| | - Takeshi Baba
- School of MedicineJuntendo UniversityInzaiChibaJapan
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15
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Lu X, Jin J, Wu Y, Liu X, Liang X, Lin J, Sun Q, Qin J, Zhang W, Luan X. Progress in RAS-targeted therapeutic strategies: From small molecule inhibitors to proteolysis targeting chimeras. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:812-832. [PMID: 38009264 DOI: 10.1002/med.21993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
As a widely considerable target in chemical biology and pharmacological research, rat sarcoma (RAS) gene mutations play a critical driving factor in several fatal cancers. Despite the great progress of RAS subtype-specific inhibitors, rapid acquired drug resistance could limit their further clinical applications. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has emerged as a powerful tool to handle "undruggable" targets and exhibited significant therapeutic benefit for the combat of drug resistance. Owing to unique molecular mechanism and binding kinetics, PROTAC is expected to become a feasible strategy to break the bottleneck of classical RAS inhibitors. This review aims to discuss the current advances of RAS inhibitors and especially focus on PROTAC strategy targeting RAS mutations and their downstream effectors for relevant cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinmei Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Liang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangjiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Sahu P, Mitra A, Ganguly A. Targeting KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways for immunomodulation and improving treatment outcomes in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:167-222. [PMID: 38782499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
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17
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Xiao S, Ouyang Q, Feng Y, Lu X, Han Y, Ren H, Huang Q, Zhao J, Xiao C, Yang M. LncNFYB promotes the proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes via LncNFYB/ANXA2/ERK1/2 axis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105591. [PMID: 38141769 PMCID: PMC10867587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105591] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are specifically expressed in different diseases and regulate disease progression. To explore the functions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-specific lncRNA, we determined the lncRNA expression profile of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) obtained from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) using a LncRNA microarray and identified up-regulated LncNFYB in RA as a potential therapeutic target. Using gain- and loss-of-function studies, LncNFYB was proven to promote FLS proliferation and cell cycle progress but not affect their invasion, migration, and apoptotic abilities. Further investigation discovered that LncRNA could combine with annexin A2 (ANXA2) and enhance the level of phospho-ANXA2 (Tyr24) in the plasma membrane area, which induced the activation of ERK1/2 to promote proliferation. These findings provide new insights into the biological functions of LncNFYB on modification of FLS, which may be exploited for the therapy of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibai Xiao
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Ouyang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxi Lu
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yipeng Han
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Ren
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinjun Zhao
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changhong Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Min Yang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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18
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Nussinov R, Jang H. Direct K-Ras Inhibitors to Treat Cancers: Progress, New Insights, and Approaches to Treat Resistance. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 64:231-253. [PMID: 37524384 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-022823-113946] [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] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Here we discuss approaches to K-Ras inhibition and drug resistance scenarios. A breakthrough offered a covalent drug against K-RasG12C. Subsequent innovations harnessed same-allele drug combinations, as well as cotargeting K-RasG12C with a companion drug to upstream regulators or downstream kinases. However, primary, adaptive, and acquired resistance inevitably emerge. The preexisting mutation load can explain how even exceedingly rare mutations with unobservable effects can promote drug resistance, seeding growth of insensitive cell clones, and proliferation. Statistics confirm the expectation that most resistance-related mutations are in cis, pointing to the high probability of cooperative, same-allele effects. In addition to targeted Ras inhibitors and drug combinations, bifunctional molecules and innovative tri-complex inhibitors to target Ras mutants are also under development. Since the identities and potential contributions of preexisting and evolving mutations are unknown, selecting a pharmacologic combination is taxing. Collectively, our broad review outlines considerations and provides new insights into pharmacology and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA;
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA;
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19
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Zhao B, Che H, Li L, Hu L, Yi W, Xiao L, Liu S, Hou Z. Asperuloside regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562 through the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23580. [PMID: 38226258 PMCID: PMC10788273 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant hematopoietic stem cell disease caused by excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Asperuloside (ASP) is considered to have good biological activity and may be a good anti-CML drug. Objective This study aimed to explore the effects and possible mechanisms of ASP on the biological behavior of K562 cells based on RNA-seq. Materials and methods The IC50 of ASP in K562 cells was calculated by the concentration-effect curve. Cell viability, apoptosis, and differentiation were detected by CCK8, flow cytometry, benzidine staining, and WB analysis, respectively. Further, RNA-seq was used to analyze the possible mechanism of ASP regulating K562 cells. Results ASP significantly inhibited the proliferation, and promoted apoptosis and differentiation of K562 cells. A total of 117 differentially expressed genes were screened by RNA-seq, mainly involved in the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway. PD98059 was used to inhibit the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway in K562 cells, and results confirmed that PD98059 could not only inhibit the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway, but also inhibit the regulation of ASP on the proliferation and differentiation of K562 cells. Conclusion ASP inhibited the proliferation, promoted apoptosis and differentiation of K562 cells by regulating the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway, and played a good anti-CML role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linlin Li
- Department of Hematology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lian Hu
- Department of Hematology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Wenjing Yi
- Department of Hematology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Songshan Liu
- Department of Hematology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Zhufa Hou
- Department of Hematology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
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20
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Zhang Q, Xu R, Xue R, Mei X, Qin Y, Shen K, Xu J, Su L, Mao C, Xie H, Lu T. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry combined with network pharmacology for analysis of potential quality markers of three processed products of Qingpi. J Sep Sci 2024; 47:e2300281. [PMID: 37994479 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Qingpi, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine for qi-regulating and commonly processed into three types of pieces, has been widely used in the clinical application of liver disease for thousands of years. In this study, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry approach along with multivariate statistical analysis was developed to assess and characterize the differentiations of three processed products and confirm the potential quality markers of Qingpi. In addition, a systematic analysis combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking was performed to clarify the potential mechanism of Qingpi for the treatment of liver disease. As a result, 18 components were identified and an integrated network of Qingpi-Components-Target-Pathway-Liver Disease was constructed. Eight compounds were finally screened out as the potential quality markers acting on ten main targets and pathways of liver disease. Molecular docking analysis results indicated that the quality markers had a good binding activity with the targets. Overall, this work preliminarily identified the potential quality markers of three processed products of Qingpi, and predicted its targets in the prevention and treatment of liver disease, which can provide supporting information for further study of the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of Qingpi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Ruijie Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Rong Xue
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xi Mei
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yuwen Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Ke Shen
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jinguo Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Lianlin Su
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Chunqin Mao
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Hui Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Tulin Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Mouhcine M, Kadil Y, Segmani I, Rahmoune I, Filali H. In silico Exploration of a Novel ICMT Inhibitor with More Solubility than Cysmethynil against Membrane Localization of KRAS Mutant in Colorectal Cancer. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2024; 20:1055-1069. [PMID: 38835128 DOI: 10.2174/0115734099264451231003172217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ICMT (isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase) is an enzyme that plays a key role in the post-translational modification of the K-Ras protein. The carboxyl methylation of this protein by ICMT is important for its proper localization and function. Cysmethynil (2-[5-(3-methylphenyl)-l-octyl-lH-indolo-3-yl] acetamide) causes K-Ras mislocalization and interrupts pathways that control cancer cell growth and division through inhibition of ICMT, but its poor water solubility makes it difficult and impractical for clinical use. This indicates that relatively high amounts of cysmethynil would be required to achieve an effective dose, which could result in significant adverse effects in patients. OBJECTIVE The general objective of this work was to find virtually new compounds that present high solubility in water and are similar to the pharmacological activity of cysmethynil. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pharmacophore modeling, pharmacophore-based virtual screening, prediction of ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), and water solubility were performed to recover a water-soluble molecule that shares the same chemical characteristics as cysmethynil using Discovery Studio v16.1.0 (DS16.1), SwissADME server, and pkCSM server. RESULTS In this study, ten pharmacophore model hypotheses were generated by exploiting the characteristics of cysmethynil. The pharmacophore model validated by the set test method was used to screen the "Elite Library®" and "Synergy Library" databases of Asinex. Only 1533 compounds corresponding to all the characteristics of the pharmacophore were retained. Then, the aqueous solubility in water at 25°C of these 1533 compounds was predicted by the Cheng and Merz model. Among these 1533 compounds, two had the optimal water solubility. Finally, the ADMET properties and Log S water solubility by three models (ESOL, Ali, and SILICOS-IT) of the two compounds and cysmethynil were compared, resulting in compound 2 as a potential inhibitor of ICMT. CONCLUSION According to the results obtained, the identified compound presented a high solubility in water and could be similar to the pharmacological activity of cysmethynil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mouhcine
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Youness Kadil
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ibtihal Segmani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Imane Rahmoune
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Houda Filali
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
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22
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Yang Y, Mei L, Chen J, Chen X, Wang Z, Liu L, Yang A. Legionella pneumophila-mediated host posttranslational modifications. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 15:mjad032. [PMID: 37156500 PMCID: PMC10720952 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad032] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative bacterium ubiquitously present in freshwater environments and causes a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. During infections, L. pneumophila releases over 300 effector proteins into host cells through an Icm/Dot type IV secretion system to manipulate the host defense system for survival within the host. Notably, certain effector proteins mediate posttranslational modifications (PTMs), serving as useful approaches exploited by L. pneumophila to modify host proteins. Some effectors catalyze the addition of host protein PTMs, while others mediate the removal of PTMs from host proteins. In this review, we summarize L. pneumophila effector-mediated PTMs of host proteins, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, AMPylation, phosphocholination, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation, as well as dephosphorylation, deubiquitination, deAMPylation, deADP-ribosylation, dephosphocholination, and delipidation. We describe their molecular mechanisms and biological functions in the regulation of bacterial growth and Legionella-containing vacuole biosynthesis and in the disruption of host immune and defense machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Ligang Mei
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhuolin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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23
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Yang MH, Tran TH, Hunt B, Agnor R, Johnson CW, Shui B, Waybright TJ, Nowak JA, Stephen AG, Simanshu DK, Haigis KM. Allosteric Regulation of Switch-II Domain Controls KRAS Oncogenicity. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3176-3183. [PMID: 37556505 PMCID: PMC10592143 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
RAS proteins are GTPases that regulate a wide range of cellular processes. RAS activity is dependent on its nucleotide-binding status, which is modulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAP). KRAS can be acetylated at lysine 104 (K104), and an acetylation-mimetic mutation of K104 to glutamine (K104Q) attenuates the in vitro-transforming capacity of oncogenic KRAS by interrupting GEF-induced nucleotide exchange. To assess the effect of this mutation in vivo, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate mouse models carrying the K104Q point mutation in wild-type and conditional KrasLSL-G12D alleles. Homozygous animals for K104Q were viable, fertile, and arose at the expected Mendelian frequency, indicating that K104Q is not a complete loss-of-function mutation. Consistent with our previous findings from in vitro studies, however, the oncogenic activity of KRASG12D was significantly attenuated by mutation at K104. Biochemical and structural analysis indicated that the G12D and K104Q mutations cooperate to suppress GEF-mediated nucleotide exchange, explaining the preferential effect of K104Q on oncogenic KRAS. Furthermore, K104 functioned in an allosteric network with M72, R73, and G75 on the α2 helix of the switch-II region. Intriguingly, point mutation of glycine 75 to alanine (G75A) also showed a strong negative regulatory effect on KRASG12D. These data demonstrate that lysine at position 104 is critical for the full oncogenic activity of mutant KRAS and suggest that modulating the sites in its allosteric network may provide a unique therapeutic approach in cancers expressing mutant KRAS. SIGNIFICANCE An allosteric network formed by interaction between lysine 104 and residues in the switch-II domain is required for KRAS oncogenicity, which could be exploited for developing inhibitors of the activated oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Hee Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy H. Tran
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Bethany Hunt
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Agnor
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian W. Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bing Shui
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy J. Waybright
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Nowak
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew G. Stephen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dhirendra K. Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Kevin M. Haigis
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Wang J, Al-Majid D, Brenner JC, Smith JD. Mutant HRas Signaling and Rationale for Use of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Target Oncol 2023; 18:643-655. [PMID: 37665491 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are often associated with poor outcomes, due at least in part to the limited number of treatment options available for those patients who develop recurrent and/or metastatic disease (R/M HNSCC). Even with the recent validation and approval of immunotherapies in the first-line setting for these patients, the need for the development of new and alternative precision medicine strategies with survival benefit is clear. Oncogenic alterations in the HRAS (Harvey rat sarcoma virus) proto-oncogene are seen in approximately 4-8% of R/M HNSCC tumors. Recently, several preclinical and clinical advancements have been made in the implementation of small-molecule inhibitors that block post-translational farnesylation of HRas, thereby abrogating its downstream oncogenic activity. In this review, we focus on the biology of wild-type and mutant HRas signaling in HNSCC, and rationale for use and outcomes of farnesyltransferase inhibitors in patients with HRAS-mutant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dana Al-Majid
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - J Chad Brenner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Joshua D Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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25
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Sankaranarayanan S, Haag C, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Matuszyńska A, Zarnack K, Feldbrügge M. The mRNA stability factor Khd4 defines a specific mRNA regulon for membrane trafficking in the pathogen Ustilago maydis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301731120. [PMID: 37590419 PMCID: PMC10450656 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301731120] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens depend on sophisticated gene expression programs for successful infection. A crucial component is RNA regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). However, little is known about the spatiotemporal RNA control mechanisms during fungal pathogenicity. Here, we discover that the RBP Khd4 defines a distinct mRNA regulon to orchestrate membrane trafficking during pathogenic development of Ustilago maydis. By establishing hyperTRIBE for fungal RBPs, we generated a comprehensive transcriptome-wide map of Khd4 interactions in vivo. We identify a defined set of target mRNAs enriched for regulatory proteins involved, e.g., in GTPase signaling. Khd4 controls the stability of target mRNAs via its cognate regulatory element AUACCC present in their 3' untranslated regions. Studying individual examples reveals a unique link between Khd4 and vacuole maturation. Thus, we uncover a distinct role for an RNA stability factor defining a specific mRNA regulon for membrane trafficking during pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srimeenakshi Sankaranarayanan
- Institute of Microbiology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf40204, Germany
| | - Carl Haag
- Institute of Microbiology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf40204, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf40204, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf40204, Germany
| | - Anna Matuszyńska
- Department of Biology, Computational Life Science, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen52074, Germany
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt a.M.60438, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt a.M.60438, Germany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute of Microbiology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf40204, Germany
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26
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Zheng Y, Zhong G, He C, Li M. Targeted splicing therapy: new strategies for colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222932. [PMID: 37664052 PMCID: PMC10470845 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is the process of forming mature mRNA, which is an essential phase necessary for gene expression and controls many aspects of cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Abnormal gene-splicing events are closely related to the development of tumors, and the generation of oncogenic isoform in splicing can promote tumor progression. As a main process of tumor-specific splicing variants, alternative splicing (AS) can promote tumor progression by increasing the production of oncogenic splicing isoforms and/or reducing the production of normal splicing isoforms. This is the focus of current research on the regulation of aberrant tumor splicing. So far, AS has been found to be associated with various aspects of tumor biology, including cell proliferation and invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and sensitivity to different chemotherapeutic drugs. This article will review the abnormal splicing events in colorectal cancer (CRC), especially the tumor-associated splicing variants arising from AS, aiming to offer an insight into CRC-targeted splicing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chengcheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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27
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Ma W, Wu Z, Maghsoudloo M, Ijaz I, Dehghan Shasaltaneh M, Zhang Y, Weng Q, Fu J, Imani S, Wen QL. Dermokine mutations contribute to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and advanced melanoma through ERK/MAPK pathways. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285806. [PMID: 37432950 PMCID: PMC10335698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To discover vulnerabilities associated with dermokine (DMKN) as a new trigger of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -driven melanoma, we undertook a genome-wide genetic screening using transgenic. Here, we showed that DMKN expression could be constitutively increased in human malignant melanoma (MM) and that this correlates with poor overall survival in melanoma patients, especially in BRAF-mutated MM samples. Furthermore, in vitro, knockdown of DMKN inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of MM cancer cells by the activation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathways and regulator of STAT3 in downstream molecular. By interrogating the in vitro melanoma dataset and characterization of advanced melanoma samples, we found that DMKN downregulated the EMT-like transcriptional program by disrupting EMT cortical actin, increasing the expression of epithelial markers, and decreasing the expression of mesenchymal markers. In addition, whole exome sequencing was presented with p.E69D and p.V91A DMKN mutations as a novel somatic loss of function mutations in those patients. Moreover, our purposeful proof-of-principle modeled the interaction of ERK with p.E69D and p.V91A DMKN mutations in the ERK-MAPK kinas signaling that may be naturally associated with triggering the EMT during melanomagenesis. Altogether, these findings provide preclinical evidence for the role of DMKN in shaping the EMT-like melanoma phenotype and introduced DMKN as a new exceptional responder for personalized MM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiong Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zexiu Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- The Center of Research and Training for Occupational Technical Safety and Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iqra Ijaz
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynecological and Breast Diseases, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | | | - Yuqin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiao Weng
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Lian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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28
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Kamioka H, Yogosawa S, Oikawa T, Aizawa D, Ueda K, Saeki C, Haruki K, Shimoda M, Ikegami T, Nishikawa Y, Saruta M, Yoshida K. Dyrk2 gene transfer suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by promoting the degradation of Myc and Hras. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100759. [PMID: 37333975 PMCID: PMC10275997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and has a poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis and progression remain unknown. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function analyses in cell lines and xenografts revealed that dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) influences tumour growth in HCC. Methods To investigate the role of Dyrk2 during hepatocarcinogenesis, we developed liver-specific Dyrk2 conditional knockout mice and an in vivo gene delivery system with a hydrodynamic tail vein injection and the Sleeping Beauty transposon. The antitumour effects of Dyrk2 gene transfer were investigated in a murine autologous carcinogenesis model. Results Dyrk2 expression was reduced in tumours, and that its downregulation was induced before hepatocarcinogenesis. Dyrk2 gene transfer significantly suppressed carcinogenesis. It also suppresses Myc-induced de-differentiation and metabolic reprogramming, which favours proliferative, and malignant potential by altering gene profiles. Dyrk2 overexpression caused Myc and Hras degradation at the protein level rather than at the mRNA level, and this degradation mechanism was regulated by the proteasome. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a negative correlation between DYRK2 expression and MYC and longer survival in patients with HCC with high-DYRK2 and low-MYC expressions. Conclusions Dyrk2 protects the liver from carcinogenesis by promoting Myc and Hras degradation. Our findings would pave the way for a novel therapeutic approach using DYRK2 gene transfer. Impact and Implications Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, with a poor prognosis. Hence, identifying molecules that can become promising targets for therapies is essential to improve mortality. No studies have clarified the association between DYRK2 and carcinogenesis, although DYRK2 is involved in tumour growth in various cancer cells. This is the first study to show that Dyrk2 expression decreases during hepatocarcinogenesis and that Dyrk2 gene transfer is an attractive approach with tumour suppressive activity against HCC by suppressing Myc-mediated de-differentiation and metabolic reprogramming that favours proliferative and malignant potential via Myc and Hras degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kamioka
- Department of Biochemistry, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satomi Yogosawa
- Department of Biochemistry, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Oikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Aizawa
- Department of Pathology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ueda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisato Saeki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichiro Haruki
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Shimoda
- Department of Pathology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Ikegami
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishikawa
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saruta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyotsugu Yoshida
- Department of Biochemistry, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Bodhale N, Nair A, Saha B. Isoform-specific functions of Ras in T-cell development and differentiation. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350430. [PMID: 37173132 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350430] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Ras GTPases, well characterized for their role in oncogenesis, are the cells' molecular switches that signal to maintain immune homeostasis through cellular development, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. In the immune system, T cells are the central players that cause autoimmunity if dysregulated. Antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation activates Ras-isoforms, which exhibit isoform-specific activator and effector requirements, functional specificities, and a selective role in T-cell development and differentiation. Recent studies show the role of Ras in T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases; however, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the role of Ras in T-cell development and differentiation. To date, limited studies have demonstrated Ras activation in response to positive and negative selection signals and Ras isoform-specific signaling, including subcellular signaling, in immune cells. The knowledge of isoform-specific functions of Ras in T cells is essential, but still inadequate to develop the T-cell-targeted Ras isoform-specific treatment strategies for the diseases caused by altered Ras-isoform expression and activation in T cells. In this review, we discuss the role of Ras in T-cell development and differentiation, critically analyzing the isoform-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arathi Nair
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
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30
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Jang G, Kweon J, Kim Y. CRISPR prime editing for unconstrained correction of oncogenic KRAS variants. Commun Biol 2023; 6:681. [PMID: 37391511 PMCID: PMC10313713 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated RAS family gene and is a primary cause of the occurrence of several types of cancer. However, KRAS mutations have several unique and diverse molecular identities, making it difficult to find specific treatments. Here, we developed universal pegRNAs which can correct all types of G12 and G13 oncogenic KRAS mutations with CRISPR-mediated prime editors (PEs). The universal pegRNA successfully corrected 12 types of KRAS mutations, accounting for 94% of all known KRAS mutations, by up to 54.8% correction frequency in HEK293T/17 cells. We also applied the universal pegRNA to correct endogenous KRAS mutations in human cancer cells and found that G13D KRAS mutation was successfully corrected to wild-type KRAS sequences with up to 40.6% correction frequency without indel mutations. We propose prime editing with the universal pegRNA as a 'one-to-many' potential therapeutic strategy for KRAS oncogene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayoung Jang
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Kweon
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsub Kim
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Ikari M, Yagi H, Kasai T, Inomata K, Ito M, Higuchi K, Matsuda N, Ito Y, Kigawa T. Direct Observation of Membrane-Associated H-Ras in the Native Cellular Environment by In-Cell 19F-NMR Spectroscopy. JACS AU 2023; 3:1658-1669. [PMID: 37388687 PMCID: PMC10302746 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Ras acts as a molecular switch to control intracellular signaling on the plasma membrane (PM). Elucidating how Ras associates with PM in the native cellular environment is crucial for understanding its control mechanism. Here, we used in-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with site-specific 19F-labeling to explore the membrane-associated states of H-Ras in living cells. The site-specific incorporation of p-trifluoromethoxyphenylalanine (OCF3Phe) at three different sites of H-Ras, i.e., Tyr32 in switch I, Tyr96 interacting with switch II, and Tyr157 on helix α5, allowed the characterization of their conformational states depending on the nucleotide-bound states and an oncogenic mutational state. Exogenously delivered 19F-labeled H-Ras protein containing a C-terminal hypervariable region was assimilated via endogenous membrane-trafficking, enabling proper association with the cell membrane compartments. Despite poor sensitivity of the in-cell NMR spectra of membrane-associated H-Ras, the Bayesian spectral deconvolution identified distinct signal components on three 19F-labeled sites, thus offering the conformational multiplicity of H-Ras on the PM. Our study may be helpful in elucidating the atomic-scale picture of membrane-associated proteins in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaomi Ikari
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Yagi
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takuma Kasai
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- PRESTO/Japan
Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Inomata
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- PRESTO/Japan
Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ito
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kae Higuchi
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Natsuko Matsuda
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- SI Innovation
Center, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, Tokyo 206-0001, Japan
| | - Yutaka Ito
- Department
of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Takanori Kigawa
- RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
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32
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Liu C, Ye D, Yang H, Chen X, Su Z, Li X, Ding M, Liu Y. RAS-targeted cancer therapy: Advances in drugging specific mutations. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e285. [PMID: 37250144 PMCID: PMC10225044 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rat sarcoma (RAS), as a frequently mutated oncogene, has been studied as an attractive target for treating RAS-driven cancers for over four decades. However, it is until the recent success of kirsten-RAS (KRAS)G12C inhibitor that RAS gets rid of the title "undruggable". It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect of KRASG12C inhibitors on different RAS allelic mutations or even different cancers with KRASG12C varies significantly. Thus, deep understanding of the characteristics of each allelic RAS mutation will be a prerequisite for developing new RAS inhibitors. In this review, the structural and biochemical features of different RAS mutations are summarized and compared. Besides, the pathological characteristics and treatment responses of different cancers carrying RAS mutations are listed based on clinical reports. In addition, the development of RAS inhibitors, either direct or indirect, that target the downstream components in RAS pathway is summarized as well. Hopefully, this review will broaden our knowledge on RAS-targeting strategies and trigger more intensive studies on exploiting new RAS allele-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Danyang Ye
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongliu Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xu Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhijun Su
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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Zhong Q, Xiao X, Qiu Y, Xu Z, Chen C, Chong B, Zhao X, Hai S, Li S, An Z, Dai L. Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e261. [PMID: 37143582 PMCID: PMC10152985 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xina Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chunyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baochen Chong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shan Hai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuangqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Gurreri E, Genovese G, Perelli L, Agostini A, Piro G, Carbone C, Tortora G. KRAS-Dependency in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms of Escaping in Resistance to KRAS Inhibitors and Perspectives of Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9313. [PMID: 37298264 PMCID: PMC10253344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still one of the deadliest cancers in oncology because of its increasing incidence and poor survival rate. More than 90% of PDAC patients are KRAS mutated (KRASmu), with KRASG12D and KRASG12V being the most common mutations. Despite this critical role, its characteristics have made direct targeting of the RAS protein extremely difficult. KRAS regulates development, cell growth, epigenetically dysregulated differentiation, and survival in PDAC through activation of key downstream pathways, such as MAPK-ERK and PI3K-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, in a KRAS-dependent manner. KRASmu induces the occurrence of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and leads to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this context, the oncogenic mutation of KRAS induces an epigenetic program that leads to the initiation of PDAC. Several studies have identified multiple direct and indirect inhibitors of KRAS signaling. Therefore, KRAS dependency is so essential in KRASmu PDAC that cancer cells have secured several compensatory escape mechanisms to counteract the efficacy of KRAS inhibitors, such as activation of MEK/ERK signaling or YAP1 upregulation. This review will provide insights into KRAS dependency in PDAC and analyze recent data on inhibitors of KRAS signaling, focusing on how cancer cells establish compensatory escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Gurreri
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.P.); (G.T.)
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA; (G.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Giannicola Genovese
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA; (G.G.); (L.P.)
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
- Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Luigi Perelli
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA; (G.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (A.A.); (G.P.); (G.T.)
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Sabe H. KRAS, MYC, and ARF6: inseparable relationships cooperatively promote cancer malignancy and immune evasion. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:106. [PMID: 37158894 PMCID: PMC10165578 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01130-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the KRAS gene and overexpression of protein products of the MYC and ARF6 genes occur frequently in cancer. Here, the inseparable relationships and cooperation of the protein products of these three genes in cancer malignancy and immune evasion are discussed. mRNAs encoded by these genes share the common feature of a G-quadruplex structure, which directs them to be robustly expressed when cellular energy production is increased. These three proteins are also functionally inseparable from each other, as follows. 1) KRAS induces MYC gene expression, and may also promote eIF4A-dependent MYC and ARF6 mRNA translation, 2) MYC induces the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and 3) ARF6 protects mitochondria from oxidative injury. ARF6 may moreover promote cancer invasion and metastasis, and also acidosis and immune checkpoint. Therefore, the inseparable relationships and cooperation of KRAS, MYC, and ARF6 appear to result in the activation of mitochondria and the driving of ARF6-based malignancy and immune evasion. Such adverse associations are frequent in pancreatic cancer, and appear to be further enhanced by TP53 mutations. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisataka Sabe
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, and Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Pan Y, Gu Y, Liu T, Zhang Q, Yang F, Duan L, Cheng S, Zhu X, Xi Y, Chang X, Ye Q, Gao S. Epitranscriptic regulation of HRAS by N6-methyladenosine drives tumor progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302291120. [PMID: 36996116 PMCID: PMC10083612 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302291120] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Ras, in addition to the oncogenic mutations, occurs in various human cancers. However, the mechanisms for epitranscriptic regulation of RAS in tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here, we report that the widespread N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of HRAS, but not KRAS and NRAS, is higher in cancer tissues compared with the adjacent tissues, which results in the increased expression of H-Ras protein, thus promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, three m6A modification sites of HRAS 3' UTR, which is regulated by FTO and bound by YTHDF1, but not YTHDF2 nor YTHDF3, promote its protein expression by the enhanced translational elongation. In addition, targeting HRAS m6A modification decreases cancer proliferation and metastasis. Clinically, up-regulated H-Ras expression correlates with down-regulated FTO and up-regulated YTHDF1 expression in various cancers. Collectively, our study reveals a linking between specific m6A modification sites of HRAS and tumor progression, which provides a new strategy to target oncogenic Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Pan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Yinmin Gu
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Tihui Liu
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Facai Yang
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Liqiang Duan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Shuwen Cheng
- Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Yibo Xi
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Xiaoli Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan030801, China
| | - Qinong Ye
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Beijing100850, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
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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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Tawfeeq N, Lazarte JMS, Jin Y, Gregory MD, Lamango NS. Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors deplete singly polyisoprenylated monomeric G-proteins in lung and breast cancer cell lines. Oncotarget 2023; 14:243-257. [PMID: 36961909 PMCID: PMC10038354 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding effective therapies against cancers driven by mutant and/or overexpressed hyperactive G-proteins remains an area of active research. Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors (PCAIs) are agents that mimic the essential posttranslational modifications of G-proteins. It is hypothesized that PCAIs work as anticancer agents by disrupting polyisoprenylation-dependent functional interactions of the G-Proteins. This study tested this hypothesis by determining the effect of the PCAIs on the levels of RAS and related monomeric G-proteins. Following 48 h exposure, we found significant decreases in the levels of KRAS, RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 ranging within 20-66% after NSL-YHJ-2-27 (5 μM) treatment in all four cell lines tested, A549, NCI-H1299, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. However, no significant difference was observed on the G-protein, RAB5A. Interestingly, 38 and 44% decreases in the levels of the farnesylated and acylated NRAS were observed in the two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468, respectively, while HRAS levels showed a 36% decrease only in MDA-MB-468 cells. Moreover, after PCAIs treatment, migration, and invasion of A549 cells were inhibited by 72 and 70%, respectively while the levels of vinculin and fascin dropped by 33 and 43%, respectively. These findings implicate the potential role of PCAIs as anticancer agents through their direct interaction with monomeric G-proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Tawfeeq
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jassy Mary S Lazarte
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Yonghao Jin
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Matthew D Gregory
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Nazarius S Lamango
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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Ren H, Dommaraju SR, Huang C, Cui H, Pan Y, Nesic M, Zhu L, Sarlah D, Mitchell DA, Zhao H. Genome mining unveils a class of ribosomal peptides with two amino termini. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1624. [PMID: 36959188 PMCID: PMC10036551 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37287-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The era of inexpensive genome sequencing and improved bioinformatics tools has reenergized the study of natural products, including the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). In recent years, RiPP discovery has challenged preconceptions about the scope of post-translational modification chemistry, but genome mining of new RiPP classes remains an unsolved challenge. Here, we report a RiPP class defined by an unusual (S)-N2,N2-dimethyl-1,2-propanediamine (Dmp)-modified C-terminus, which we term the daptides. Nearly 500 daptide biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified by analyzing the RiPP Recognition Element (RRE), a common substrate-binding domain found in half of prokaryotic RiPP classes. A representative daptide BGC from Microbacterium paraoxydans DSM 15019 was selected for experimental characterization. Derived from a C-terminal threonine residue, the class-defining Dmp is installed over three steps by an oxidative decarboxylase, aminotransferase, and methyltransferase. Daptides uniquely harbor two positively charged termini, and thus we suspect this modification could aid in membrane targeting, as corroborated by hemolysis assays. Our studies further show that the oxidative decarboxylation step requires a functionally unannotated accessory protein. Fused to the C-terminus of the accessory protein is an RRE domain, which delivers the unmodified substrate peptide to the oxidative decarboxylase. This discovery of a class-defining post-translational modification in RiPPs may serve as a prototype for unveiling additional RiPP classes through genome mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengqian Ren
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Shravan R Dommaraju
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Chunshuai Huang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Haiyang Cui
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yuwei Pan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Marko Nesic
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lingyang Zhu
- School of Chemical Sciences, NMR Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - David Sarlah
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Douglas A Mitchell
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Kato Y, Shirai R, Ohbuchi K, Oizumi H, Yamamoto M, Miyata W, Iguchi T, Mimaki Y, Miyamoto Y, Yamauchi J. Hesperetin Ameliorates Inhibition of Neuronal and Oligodendroglial Cell Differentiation Phenotypes Induced by Knockdown of Rab2b, an Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Gene Product. Neurol Int 2023; 15:371-391. [PMID: 36976668 PMCID: PMC10057161 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a central nervous system (CNS) neurodevelopmental disorder that includes autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger’s syndrome. ASD is characterized by repetitive behaviors and social communication deficits. ASD is thought to be a multifactorial disorder with a range of genetic and environmental factors/candidates. Among such factors is the rab2b gene, although it remains unclear how Rab2b itself is related to the CNS neuronal and glial developmental disorganization observed in ASD patients. Rab2 subfamily members regulate intracellular vesicle transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi body. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report that Rab2b positively regulates neuronal and glial cell morphological differentiation. Knockdown of Rab2b inhibited morphological changes in N1E-115 cells, which are often used as the neuronal cell differentiation model. These changes were accomplished with decreased expression levels of marker proteins in neuronal cells. Similar results were obtained for FBD-102b cells, which are used as the model of oligodendroglial cell morphological differentiation. In contrast, knockdown of Rab2a, which is another Rab2 family member not known to be associated with ASD, affected only oligodendroglial and not neuronal morphological changes. In contrast, treatment with hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid with various cellular protective effects, in cells recovered the defective morphological changes induced by Rab2b knockdown. These results suggest that knockdown of Rab2b inhibits differentiation in neuronal and glial cells and may be associated with pathological cellular phenotypes in ASD and that hesperetin can recover their phenotypes at the in vitro level at least.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukino Kato
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (Y.K.); (W.M.); (Y.M.)
| | - Remina Shirai
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (Y.K.); (W.M.); (Y.M.)
| | - Katsuya Ohbuchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Inashiki 200-1192, Ibaraki, Japan; (K.O.); (H.O.); (M.Y.)
| | - Hiroaki Oizumi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Inashiki 200-1192, Ibaraki, Japan; (K.O.); (H.O.); (M.Y.)
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Inashiki 200-1192, Ibaraki, Japan; (K.O.); (H.O.); (M.Y.)
| | - Wakana Miyata
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (Y.K.); (W.M.); (Y.M.)
| | - Tomoki Iguchi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacognosy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (T.I.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yoshihiro Mimaki
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacognosy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (T.I.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yuki Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (Y.K.); (W.M.); (Y.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya 157-8535, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junji Yamauchi
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Tokyo, Japan; (Y.K.); (W.M.); (Y.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya 157-8535, Tokyo, Japan
- Diabetic Neuropathy Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya 156-8506, Tokyo, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-42-676-7164; Fax: +81-42-676-8841
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Ren H, Dommaraju SR, Huang C, Cui H, Pan Y, Nesic M, Zhu L, Sarlah D, Mitchell DA, Zhao H. Genome mining unveils a class of ribosomal peptides with two amino termini. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.08.531785. [PMID: 36945508 PMCID: PMC10028931 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.08.531785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The era of inexpensive genome sequencing and improved bioinformatics tools has reenergized the study of natural products, including the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). In recent years, RiPP discovery has challenged preconceptions about the scope of post-translational modification chemistry, but genome mining of new RiPP classes remains an unsolved challenge. Here, we report a RiPP class defined by an unusual ( S )- N 2 , N 2 -dimethyl-1,2-propanediamine (Dmp)-modified C -terminus, which we term the daptides. Nearly 500 daptide biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified by analyzing the RiPP Recognition Element (RRE), a common substrate-binding domain found in half of prokaryotic RiPP classes. A representative daptide BGC from Microbacterium paraoxydans DSM 15019 was selected for experimental characterization. Derived from a C -terminal threonine residue, the class-defining Dmp is installed over three steps by an oxidative decarboxylase, aminotransferase, and methyltransferase. Daptides uniquely harbor two positively charged termini, and thus we suspect this modification could aid in membrane targeting, as corroborated by hemolysis assays. Our studies further show that the oxidative decarboxylation step requires a functionally unannotated accessory protein. Fused to the C -terminus of the accessory protein is an RRE domain, which delivers the unmodified substrate peptide to the oxidative decarboxylase. This discovery of a class-defining post-translational modification in RiPPs may serve as a prototype for unveiling additional RiPP classes through genome mining.
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Karimi N, Moghaddam SJ. KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer: Targeting Molecular and Immunologic Pathways, Therapeutic Advantages and Restrictions. Cells 2023; 12:749. [PMID: 36899885 PMCID: PMC10001046 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations are among the most common oncogenic mutations in human cancers. Among RAS mutations, KRAS has the highest frequency and is present in almost 30% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Lung cancer is the number one cause of mortality among cancers as a consequence of outrageous aggressiveness and late diagnosis. High mortality rates have been the reason behind numerous investigations and clinical trials to discover proper therapeutic agents targeting KRAS. These approaches include the following: direct KRAS targeting; synthetic lethality partner inhibitors; targeting of KRAS membrane association and associated metabolic rewiring; autophagy inhibitors; downstream inhibitors; and immunotherapies and other immune-modalities such as modulating inflammatory signaling transcription factors (e.g., STAT3). The majority of these have unfortunately encountered limited therapeutic outcomes due to multiple restrictive mechanisms including the presence of co-mutations. In this review we plan to summarize the past and most recent therapies under investigation, along with their therapeutic success rate and potential restrictions. This will provide useful information to improve the design of novel agents for treatment of this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Karimi
- Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul 34899, Turkey
| | - Seyed Javad Moghaddam
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ravishankar R, Hildebrandt ER, Greenway G, Asad N, Gore S, Dore TM, Schmidt WK. Specific Disruption of Ras2 CAAX Proteolysis Alters Its Localization and Function. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0269222. [PMID: 36602340 PMCID: PMC9927470 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02692-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many CAAX proteins, such as Ras GTPase, undergo a series of posttranslational modifications at their carboxyl terminus (i.e., cysteine prenylation, endoproteolysis of AAX, and carboxylmethylation). Some CAAX proteins, however, undergo prenylation-only modification, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp40 Ydj1. We previously observed that altering the CAAX motif of Ydj1 from prenylation-only to canonical resulted in altered Ydj1 function and localization. Here, we investigated the effects of a reciprocal change that altered the well-characterized canonical CAAX motif of S. cerevisiae Ras2 to prenylation-only. We observed that the type of CAAX motif impacted Ras2 protein levels, localization, and function. Moreover, we observed that using a prenylation-only sequence to stage hyperactive Ras2-G19V as a farnesylated and nonproteolyzed intermediate resulted in a different phenotype relative to staging by a genetic RCE1 deletion strategy that simultaneously affected many CAAX proteins. These findings suggested that a prenylation-only CAAX motif is useful for probing the specific impact of CAAX proteolysis on Ras2 under conditions where other CAAX proteins are normally modified. We propose that our strategy could be easily applied to a wide range of CAAX proteins for examining the specific impact of CAAX proteolysis on their functions. IMPORTANCE CAAX proteins are subject to multiple posttranslational modifications: cysteine prenylation, CAAX proteolysis, and carboxylmethylation. For investigations of CAAX proteolysis, this study took the novel approach of using a proteolysis-resistant CAAX sequence to stage Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ras2 GTPase in a farnesylated and nonproteolyzed state. Our approach specifically limited the effects of disrupting CAAX proteolysis to Ras2. This represented an improvement over previous methods where CAAX proteolysis was inhibited by gene knockout, small interfering RNA knockdown, or biochemical inhibition of the Rce1 CAAX protease, which can lead to pleiotropic and unclear attribution of effects due to the action of Rce1 on multiple CAAX proteins. Our approach yielded results that demonstrated specific impacts of CAAX proteolysis on the function, localization, and other properties of Ras2, highlighting the utility of this approach for investigating the impact of CAAX proteolysis in other protein contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Ravishankar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily R. Hildebrandt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Grace Greenway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Nadeem Asad
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sangram Gore
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Timothy M. Dore
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Walter K. Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Hu Y, Zhai W, Tan D, Chen H, Zhang G, Tan X, Zheng Y, Gao W, Wei Y, Wu J, Yang X. Uncovering the effects and molecular mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge and its bioactive ingredients formononetin and calycosin against colon cancer: An integrated approach based on network pharmacology analysis coupled with experimental validation and molecular docking. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1111912. [PMID: 36755950 PMCID: PMC9899812 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1111912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a highly malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (Huang Qi in Chinese, HQ), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine and a popular food additive, possesses various biological functions and has been frequently used for clinical treatment of colon cancer. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Isoflavonoids, including formononetin (FMNT) and calycosin (CS), are the main bioactive ingredients isolated from HQ. Thus, this study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects and mechanism of HQ, FMNT and CS against colon cancer by using network pharmacology coupled with experimental validation and molecular docking. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that FMNT and CS exerted their anticarcinogenic actions against colon cancer by regulating multiple signaling molecules and pathways, including MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. The experimental validation data showed that HQ, FMNT and CS significantly suppressed the viability and proliferation, and promoted the apoptosis in colon cancer Caco2 and HT-29 cells. HQ, FMNT and CS also markedly inhibited the migration of Caco2 and HT-29 cells, accompanied by a marked increase in E-cadherin expression, and a notable decrease in N-cadherin and Vimentin expression. In addition, HQ, FMNT and CS strikingly decreased the expression of ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2) without marked change in total ERK1/2 expression. They also slightly downregulated the p-Akt expression without significant alteration in total Akt expression. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the inactivation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway and the HQ, FMNT and CS-induced suppression of colon cancer. The molecular docking results indicated that FMNT and CS had a strong binding affinity for the key molecules of ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Conclusively, HQ, FMNT and CS exerted good therapeutic effects against colon cancer by mainly inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, suggesting that HQ, FMNT and CS could be useful supplements that may enhance chemotherapeutic outcomes and benefit colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Duanling Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State, NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haipeng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiyu Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuanjing Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhui Gao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yijie Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,*Correspondence: Jinjun Wu, ; Xin Yang,
| | - Xin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State, NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jinjun Wu, ; Xin Yang,
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Identification of NRAS Diagnostic Biomarkers and Drug Targets for Endometrial Cancer-An Integrated in Silico Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214285. [PMID: 36430761 PMCID: PMC9692821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of endometrial cancer involves sequential, invasive tests to assess the thickness of the endometrium by a transvaginal ultrasound scan. In 6−33% of cases, endometrial biopsy results in inadequate tissue for a conclusive pathological diagnosis and 6% of postmenopausal women with non-diagnostic specimens are later discovered to have severe endometrial lesions. Thus, identifying diagnostic biomarkers could offer a non-invasive diagnosis for community or home-based triage of symptomatic or asymptomatic women. Herein, this study identified high-risk pathogenic nsSNPs in the NRAS gene. The nsSNPs of NRAS were retrieved from the NCBI database. PROVEAN, SIFT, PolyPhen-2, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP and PANTHER were used to predict the pathogenicity of the nsSNPs. Eleven nsSNPs were identified as “damaging”, and further stability analysis using I-Mutant 2.0 and MutPred 2 indicated eight nsSNPs to cause decreased stability (DDG scores < −0.5). Post-translational modification and protein−protein interactions (PPI) analysis showed putative phosphorylation sites. The PPI network indicated a GFR-MAPK signalling pathway with higher node degrees that were further evaluated for drug targets. The P34L, G12C and Y64D showed significantly lower binding affinity towards GTP than wild-type. Furthermore, the Kaplan−Meier bioinformatics analyses indicated that the NRAS gene deregulation affected the overall survival rate of patients with endometrial cancer, leading to prognostic significance. Findings from this could be considered novel diagnostic and therapeutic markers.
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Nuevo-Tapioles C, Philips MR. The role of KRAS splice variants in cancer biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1033348. [PMID: 36393833 PMCID: PMC9663995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1033348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The three mammalian RAS genes (HRAS, NRAS and KRAS) encode four proteins that play central roles in cancer biology. Among them, KRAS is mutated more frequently in human cancer than any other oncogene. The pre-mRNA of KRAS is alternatively spliced to give rise to two products, KRAS4A and KRAS4B, which differ in the membrane targeting sequences at their respective C-termini. Notably, both KRAS4A and KRAS4B are oncogenic when KRAS is constitutively activated by mutation in exon 2 or 3. Whereas KRAS4B is the most studied oncoprotein, KRAS4A is understudied and until recently considered relatively unimportant. Emerging work has confirmed expression of KRAS4A in cancer and found non-overlapping functions of the splice variants. The most clearly demonstrated of these is direct regulation of hexokinase 1 by KRAS4A, suggesting that the metabolic vulnerabilities of KRAS-mutant tumors may be determined in part by the relative expression of the splice variants. The aim of this review is to address the most relevant characteristics and differential functions of the KRAS splice variants as they relate to cancer onset and progression.
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Trivedi S, Bhattacharya M, Starz-Gaiano M. Mind bomb 2 promotes cell migration and epithelial structure by regulating adhesion complexes and the actin cytoskeleton. Dev Biol 2022; 491:94-104. [PMID: 36067835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is essential in animal development and co-opted during metastasis and inflammatory diseases. Some cells migrate collectively, which requires them to balance epithelial characteristics such as stable cell-cell adhesions with features of motility like rapid turnover of adhesions and dynamic cytoskeletal structures. How this is regulated is not entirely clear but important to understand. While investigating Drosophila oogenesis, we found that the putative E3 ubiquitin ligase, Mind bomb 2 (Mib2), is required to promote epithelial stability and the collective cell migration of border cells. Through biochemical analysis, we identified components of Mib2 complexes, which include E-cadherin and α- and β-catenins, as well as actin regulators. We also found that three Mib2 interacting proteins, RhoGAP19D, Supervillin, and Myosin heavy chain-like, affect border cell migration. mib2 mutant main body follicle cells have drastically reduced E-cadherin-based adhesion complexes and diminished actin filaments. We conclude that Mib2 acts to stabilize E-cadherin-based adhesion complexes and promote a robust actin cytoskeletal network, which is important for maintenance of epithelial integrity. The interaction with cadherin adhesion complexes and other cytoskeletal regulators contribute to its role in collective cell migration. Since Mib2 is well conserved, it may have similar functional significance in other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Trivedi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA
| | - Mallika Bhattacharya
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA
| | - Michelle Starz-Gaiano
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA.
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Zhang Y, Zhang B, Li Y, Dai Y, Li J, Li D, Xia Z, Zhang J, Liu P, Chen M, Jiao B, Ren R. Palmitoylation of GNAQ/11 is critical for tumor cell proliferation and survival in GNAQ/11-mutant uveal melanoma. Front Med 2022; 16:784-798. [PMID: 35997986 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
More than 85% of patients with uveal melanoma (UM) carry a GNAQ or GNA11 mutation at a hotspot codon (Q209) that encodes G protein α subunit q/11 polypeptides (Gαq/11). GNAQ/11 relies on palmitoylation for membrane association and signal transduction. Despite the palmitoylation of GNAQ/11 was discovered long before, its implication in UM remains unclear. Here, results of palmitoylation-targeted mutagenesis and chemical interference approaches revealed that the loss of GNAQ/11 palmitoylation substantially affected tumor cell proliferation and survival in UM cells. Palmitoylation inhibition through the mutation of palmitoylation sites suppressed GNAQ/11Q209L-induced malignant transformation in NIH3T3 cells. Importantly, the palmitoylation-deficient oncogenic GNAQ/11 failed to rescue the cell death initiated by the knock down of endogenous GNAQ/11 oncogenes in UM cells, which are much more dependent on Gαq/11 signaling for cell survival and proliferation than other melanoma cells without GNAQ/11 mutations. Furthermore, the palmitoylation inhibitor, 2-bromopalmitate, also specifically disrupted Gαq/11 downstream signaling by interfering with the MAPK pathway and BCL2 survival pathway in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells and showed a notable synergistic effect when applied in combination with the BCL2 inhibitor, ABT-199, in vitro. The findings validate that GNAQ/11 palmitoylation plays a critical role in UM and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for GNAQ/11-driven UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Baoyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yuting Dai
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jiaoyang Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Donghe Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhizhou Xia
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Bo Jiao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ruibao Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 02454, USA.
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Maxwell ZA, Suazo KF, Brown HM, Distefano MD, Arriaga EA. Combining Isoprenoid Probes with Antibody Markers for Mass Cytometric Analysis of Prenylation in Single Cells. Anal Chem 2022; 94:11521-11528. [PMID: 35952372 PMCID: PMC9441216 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01509] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein prenylation is an essential post-translational modification that plays a key role in facilitating protein localization. Aberrations in protein prenylation have been indicated in multiple disease pathologies including progeria, some forms of cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. While there are single-cell methods to study prenylation, these methods cannot simultaneously assess prenylation and other cellular changes in the complex cell environment. Here, we report a novel method to monitor, at the single-cell level, prenylation and expression of autophagy markers. An isoprenoid analogue containing a terminal alkyne, substrate of prenylation enzymes, was metabolically incorporated into cells in culture. Treatment with a terbium reporter containing an azide functional group, followed by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, covalently attached terbium ions to prenylated proteins within cells. In addition, simultaneous treatment with a holmium-containing analogue of the reporter, without an azide functional group, was used to correct for non-specific retention at the single-cell level. This procedure was compatible with other mass cytometric sample preparation steps that use metal-tagged antibodies. We demonstrate that this method reports changes in levels of prenylation in competitive and inhibitor assays, while tracking autophagy molecular markers with metal-tagged antibodies. The method reported here makes it possible to track prenylation along with other molecular pathways in single cells of complex systems, which is essential to elucidate the role of this post-translational modification in disease, cell response to pharmacological treatments, and aging.
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Lin L, Miao L, Lin H, Cheng J, Li M, Zhuo Z, He J. Targeting RAS in neuroblastoma: Is it possible? Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108054. [PMID: 34915055 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common solid tumor in children and a leading cause of cancer death in children. Neuroblastoma exhibits genetic, morphological, and clinical heterogeneity that limits the efficacy of current monotherapies. With further research on neuroblastoma, the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is found to be complex, and more and more treatment therapies are needed. The importance of personalized therapy is growing. Currently, various molecular features, including RAS mutations, are being used as targets for the development of new therapies for patients with neuroblastoma. A recent study found that RAS mutations are frequently present in recurrent neuroblastoma. RAS mutations have been shown to activate the MAPK pathway and play an important role in neuroblastoma. Treating RAS mutated neuroblastoma is a difficult challenge, but many preclinical studies have yielded effective results. At the same time, many of the therapies used to treat RAS mutated tumors also have good reference values for treating RAS mutated neuroblastoma. The success of KRAS-G12C inhibitors has greatly stimulated confidence in the direct suppression of RAS. This review describes the biological role of RAS and the frequency of RAS mutations in neuroblastoma. This paper focuses on the strategies, preclinical, and clinical progress of targeting carcinogenic RAS in neuroblastoma, and proposes possible prospects and challenges in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Miao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiran Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jiwen Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China; Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jing He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China.
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