451
|
Sautier B, Nising CF, Wortmann L. Fortschritte bei der Ras-Inhibition aus medizinisch-chemischer Perspektive. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201608270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brice Sautier
- Bayer Pharma AG, Drug Discovery; Medicinal Chemistry Berlin; Muellerstraße 178 13353 Berlin Deutschland
| | - Carl F. Nising
- Bayer Pharma AG, Drug Discovery; Medicinal Chemistry Berlin; Muellerstraße 178 13353 Berlin Deutschland
| | - Lars Wortmann
- Bayer Pharma AG, Drug Discovery; Medicinal Chemistry Berlin; Muellerstraße 178 13353 Berlin Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
452
|
Sautier B, Nising CF, Wortmann L. Latest Advances Towards Ras Inhibition: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:15982-15988. [PMID: 27635522 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201608270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their high occurrence rate across many human cancers and their lack of druggability so far, mutant forms of the signaling protein Ras are currently among the most attractive (and elusive) oncology targets. This strong appeal explains the sustained effort in the field, and the ensuing progress has rekindled optimism regarding the discovery of Ras inhibitors. In this Minireview, we discuss the most recent advances towards irreversible inhibitors, and highlight approaches to inhibitors of Ras-effector interactions that have been overshadowed by the current focus on direct Ras inhibition. At the same time, we provide a critical assessment from a medicinal chemistry perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brice Sautier
- Bayer Pharma AG, Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Berlin, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carl F Nising
- Bayer Pharma AG, Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Berlin, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Wortmann
- Bayer Pharma AG, Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Berlin, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
453
|
Intrinsic K-Ras dynamics: A novel molecular dynamics data analysis method shows causality between residue pair motions. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37012. [PMID: 27845397 PMCID: PMC5109477 DOI: 10.1038/srep37012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
K-Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, but there are still no drugs that directly target it in the clinic. Recent studies utilizing dynamics information show promising results for selectively targeting mutant K-Ras. However, despite extensive characterization, the mechanisms by which K-Ras residue fluctuations transfer allosteric regulatory information remain unknown. Understanding the direction of information flow can provide new mechanistic insights for K-Ras targeting. Here, we present a novel approach –conditional time-delayed correlations (CTC) – using the motions of all residue pairs of a protein to predict directionality in the allosteric regulation of the protein fluctuations. Analyzing nucleotide-dependent intrinsic K-Ras motions with the new approach yields predictions that agree with the literature, showing that GTP-binding stabilizes K-Ras motions and leads to residue correlations with relatively long characteristic decay times. Furthermore, our study is the first to identify driver-follower relationships in correlated motions of K-Ras residue pairs, revealing the direction of information flow during allosteric modulation of its nucleotide-dependent intrinsic activity: active K-Ras Switch-II region motions drive Switch-I region motions, while α-helix-3L7 motions control both. Our results provide novel insights for strategies that directly target mutant K-Ras.
Collapse
|
454
|
Pang X, Liu M. A combination therapy for KRAS-mutant lung cancer by targeting synthetic lethal partners of mutant KRAS. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2016; 35:92. [PMID: 27793187 PMCID: PMC5086049 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-016-0154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The KRAS gene is frequently mutated in multiple cancer types, but it fell off the drug discovery radar for many years because of its inherent "undruggable" structure and undefined biological properties. As reported in the paper entitled "Suppression of KRas-mutant cancer through the combined inhibition of KRAS with PLK1 and ROCK" in Nature Communications, we performed a synthetic lethal screening with a combinatorial strategy on a panel of clinical drugs; we found that combined inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 and RhoA/Rho kinase markedly suppressed tumor growth in mice. An increase in the expression of the tumor suppressor P21WAF1/CIP1 contributed to the synergistic mechanism of the combination therapy. These findings open a novel avenue for the treatment of KRAS-mutant lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China.
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 2121W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
455
|
Harrison RA, Lu J, Carrasco M, Hunter J, Manandhar A, Gondi S, Westover KD, Engen JR. Structural Dynamics in Ras and Related Proteins upon Nucleotide Switching. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:4723-4735. [PMID: 27751724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Structural dynamics of Ras proteins contributes to their activity in signal transduction cascades. Directly targeting Ras proteins with small molecules may rely on the movement of a conserved structural motif, switch II. To understand Ras signaling and advance Ras-targeting strategies, experimental methods to measure Ras dynamics are required. Here, we demonstrate the utility of hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS) to measure Ras dynamics by studying representatives from two branches of the Ras superfamily, Ras and Rho. A comparison of differential deuterium exchange between active (GMPPNP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) proteins revealed differences between the families, with the most notable differences occurring in the phosphate-binding loop and switch II. The P-loop exchange signature correlated with switch II dynamics observed in molecular dynamics simulations focused on measuring main-chain movement. HDX provides a means of evaluating Ras protein dynamics, which may be useful for understanding the mechanisms of Ras signaling, including activated signaling of pathologic mutants, and for targeting strategies that rely on protein dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rane A Harrison
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jia Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Martin Carrasco
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John Hunter
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Anuj Manandhar
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sudershan Gondi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenneth D Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
456
|
Abstract
RAS mutations are among the most common genetic alterations found in cancerous tumors but rational criteria or strategies for targeting RAS-dependent tumors are only recently emerging. Clinical and laboratory data suggest that patient selection based on specific RAS mutations will be an essential component of these strategies. A thorough understanding of the biochemical and structural properties of mutant RAS proteins form the theoretical basis for these approaches. Direct inhibition of KRAS G12C by covalent inhibitors is a notable recent example of the RAS mutation-tailored approach that establishes a paradigm for other RAS mutation-centered strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven K Montalvo
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lianbo Li
- Departments of Biochemistry & Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenneth D Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry & Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
457
|
Garzón M, Villatoro S, Teixidó C, Mayo C, Martínez A, de Los Llanos Gil M, Viteri S, Morales-Espinosa D, Rosell R. KRAS mutations in the circulating free DNA (cfDNA) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2016; 5:511-516. [PMID: 27826532 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2016.10.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) is obtained from serum or plasma by non-invasive methods such as a simple blood draw, a technique known as "liquid biopsy". Genetic analyses of driver alterations in cfDNA have proved very effective to predict survival and treatment response of cancer patients according to tumoral cfDNA burden in blood. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with higher concentration of tumoral cfDNA in blood have, on average, shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Regarding specific genetic alterations, KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) is one of the main genes involved in NSCLC and several studies have been performed to determine its value as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in liquid biopsy. Unfortunately, to date no strong conclusions can be drawn since they have yielded contradictory results. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to establish the value of KRAS testing in liquid biopsy as prognostic or predictive factor in NSCLC. Herein, we review the current knowledge on the importance of KRAS as prognostic and predictive biomarker using non-invasive approaches and the scientific data available regarding its application in clinical practice for treatment of NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Garzón
- Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Villatoro
- Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Teixidó
- Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Mayo
- Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Santiago Viteri
- Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Rosell
- Pangaea Biotech, Laboratory of Oncology, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;; Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;; Cancer Biology & Precision Medicine Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Germans Trias i Pujol Health Sciences Institute and Hospital, Crta de Canyet s/n, 08016 Badalona, Spain;; Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Campus Can Ruti, Crta de Canyet s/n, 08016 Badalona, Spain;; Molecular Oncology Research (MORe) Foundation, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
458
|
Lu S, Jang H, Gu S, Zhang J, Nussinov R. Drugging Ras GTPase: a comprehensive mechanistic and signaling structural view. Chem Soc Rev 2016; 45:4929-52. [PMID: 27396271 PMCID: PMC5021603 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00911a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases, cycling between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states. Through these switches they regulate signaling that controls cell growth and proliferation. Activating Ras mutations are associated with approximately 30% of human cancers, which are frequently resistant to standard therapies. Over the past few years, structural biology and in silico drug design, coupled with improved screening technology, led to a handful of promising inhibitors, raising the possibility of drugging Ras proteins. At the same time, the invariable emergence of drug resistance argues for the critical importance of additionally honing in on signaling pathways which are likely to be involved. Here we overview current advances in Ras structural knowledge, including the conformational dynamic of full-length Ras in solution and at the membrane, therapeutic inhibition of Ras activity by targeting its active site, allosteric sites, and Ras-effector protein-protein interfaces, Ras dimers, the K-Ras4B/calmodulin/PI3Kα trimer, and targeting Ras with siRNA. To mitigate drug resistance, we propose signaling pathways that can be co-targeted along with Ras and explain why. These include pathways leading to the expression (or activation) of YAP1 and c-Myc. We postulate that these and Ras signaling pathways, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, act independently and in corresponding ways in cell cycle control. The structural data are instrumental in the discovery and development of Ras inhibitors for treating RAS-driven cancers. Together with the signaling blueprints through which drug resistance can evolve, this review provides a comprehensive and innovative master plan for tackling mutant Ras proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
| | - Shuo Gu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
459
|
Hirsch FR, Suda K, Wiens J, Bunn PA. New and emerging targeted treatments in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Lancet 2016; 388:1012-24. [PMID: 27598681 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)31473-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies are substantially changing the management of lung cancers. These treatments include drugs that target driver mutations, those that target presumed important molecules in cancer cell proliferation and survival, and those that inhibit immune checkpoint molecules. This area of research progresses day by day, with novel target discoveries, novel drug development, and use of novel combination treatments. Researchers and clinicians have also extensively investigated the predictive biomarkers and the molecular mechanisms underlying inherent or acquired resistance to these targeted therapies. We review recent progress in the development of targeted treatments for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, especially focusing on data from published clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Hirsch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA; International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Kenichi Suda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jacinta Wiens
- International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paul A Bunn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
460
|
Abstract
Cancer is an evolutionary disease, containing the hallmarks of an asexually reproducing unicellular organism subject to evolutionary paradigms. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (hereafter referred to as pancreatic cancer) is a particularly robust example of this phenomenon. Genomic features indicate that pancreatic cancer cells are selected for fitness advantages when encountering the geographic and resource-depleted constraints of the microenvironment. Phenotypic adaptations to these pressures help disseminated cells to survive in secondary sites, a major clinical problem for patients with this disease. In this Review we gather the wide-ranging aspects of pancreatic cancer research into a single concept rooted in Darwinian evolution, with the goal of identifying novel insights and opportunities for study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Makohon-Moore
- Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
461
|
Recent advances in cancer drug discovery targeting RAS. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1915-1919. [PMID: 27506872 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutated RAS is present in 30% of human tumors, appearing in 90% of pancreatic, 45% of colon and 35% of lung cancers. These high occurrences make RAS one of the most important drug targets in oncology. Three decades of effort to target RAS have been unsuccessful in generating drug therapies suggesting that it might represent an 'undruggable' target. However, recent reports highlighting new approaches for targeting RAS have uncovered more information on protein structure and identified new binding pockets. Efforts to target the KRAS G12C mutation specifically have shown promising results whereas other approaches have targeted various protein complexes. These advances could lead to development of new effective cancer drugs targeting RAS.
Collapse
|
462
|
Ostrem JML, Shokat KM. Direct small-molecule inhibitors of KRAS: from structural insights to mechanism-based design. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:771-785. [PMID: 27469033 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancer. In addition to holding this distinction, unsuccessful attempts to target this protein have led to the characterization of RAS as 'undruggable'. However, recent advances in technology and novel approaches to drug discovery have renewed hope that a direct KRAS inhibitor may be on the horizon. In this Review, we provide an in-depth analysis of the structure, dynamics, mutational activation and inactivation, and signalling mechanisms of RAS. From this perspective, we then consider potential mechanisms of action for effective RAS inhibitors. Finally, we examine each of the many recent reports of direct RAS inhibitors and discuss promising avenues for further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M L Ostrem
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
463
|
Abstract
Ras proteins are considered as the founding members of a large superfamily of small GTPases that control fundamental cellular functions. Mutationally activated RAS genes were discovered in human cancer cells more than 3 decades ago, but intensive efforts on Ras structure, biochemistry, function and signaling continue even now. Because mutant Ras proteins are inherently difficult to inhibit and have yet been therapeutically conquered, it was designated as “the Everest of oncogenes” in the cancer genome landscape, further promoting a “renaissance” in RAS research. Different paths to directly or indirectly targeting mutant Ras signaling are currently under investigation in the hope of finding an efficacious regimen. Inhibitors directly binding to KRASG12C to block its downstream signaling have been revealed, supporting the notion of Ras' druggability. An alternative indirect approach by targeting synthetic lethal interactors of mutant RAS is underway. We recently employed a synthetic lethal drug screen plus a combinatorial strategy using a panel of clinical agents and discovered that KRAS-mutant cancers were fragile to the combined inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK). The combined regimen of BI-2536 (a Plk1 inhibitor) and fasudil (a ROCK inhibitor) promoted a significant inhibition of patient-derived lung cancer xenografts and prolonged the survival of LSL-KRASG12D mice. In this commentary, we will summarize the state-of-the art for the direction of synthetic lethality, and also speculate on the future development of this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Pang
- a Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University , Shanghai , China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- a Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University , Shanghai , China.,b Institute of Biosciences and Technology , Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center , Houston , TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|
464
|
Abstract
KRAS is frequently mutated in a variety of cancers including lung cancer. Whereas the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a well-known effector pathway of KRAS, blocking this pathway with MEK inhibitors is relatively ineffective. One major contributor to limited efficacy is attributed to the reactivation of MAPK signal following MEK inhibition by multiple feedback mechanisms. In a recent study, we have identified that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition defines feedback activation of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling following MEK inhibition in KRAS mutant lung cancer. In epithelial-like cells, this feedback was mediated by ERBB3. In contrast, in mesenchymal-like cells, the feedback was attributed to the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) pathway. FGFR1 was dominantly expressed in mesenchymal-like cells: suppression of SPRY proteins by MEK inhibition relieved negative feedback control of basal FGFR-FRS2 function, resulting in reactivation of MAPK signaling via FGFR1. Therapeutically, the combination of MEK inhibitor trametinib with an FGFR inhibitor induced tumor regressions in tumor xenografts derived from mesenchymal-like KRAS mutant cancer cell lines as well as a patient derived xenograft model with a representative mesenchymal phenotype. Collectively, feedback activation of MAPK by FGFR1 signaling mitigates the effect of MEK inhibitor in mesenchymal-like KRAS mutant lung tumors, and combinations of clinically available FGFR1 inhibitors and MAPK inhibitors constitute a therapeutic approach to treat these cancers effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kitai
- a Division of Medical Oncology , Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University , Ishikawa , Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ebi
- a Division of Medical Oncology , Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University , Ishikawa , Japan.,b Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University , Ishikawa , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
465
|
Modest DP, Ricard I, Heinemann V, Hegewisch-Becker S, Schmiegel W, Porschen R, Stintzing S, Graeven U, Arnold D, von Weikersthal LF, Giessen-Jung C, Stahler A, Schmoll HJ, Jung A, Kirchner T, Tannapfel A, Reinacher-Schick A. Outcome according to KRAS-, NRAS- and BRAF-mutation as well as KRAS mutation variants: pooled analysis of five randomized trials in metastatic colorectal cancer by the AIO colorectal cancer study group. Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1746-53. [PMID: 27358379 PMCID: PMC4999563 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this pooled analysis of metastatic colorectal cancer patients, mutations in KRAS, and BRAF were associated with inferior progression-free and overall survival compared with patients with non-mutated tumors. KRAS exon 2 mutation variants were associated with heterogeneous outcome compared with unmutated tumors with KRAS G12C and G13D being associated with rather poor survival. Background To explore the impact of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations as well as KRAS mutation variants in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving first-line therapy. Patients and methods A total of 1239 patients from five randomized trials (FIRE-1, FIRE-3, AIOKRK0207, AIOKRK0604, RO91) were included into the analysis. Outcome was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank tests and Cox models. Results In 664 tumors, no mutation was detected, 462 tumors were diagnosed with KRAS-, 39 patients with NRAS- and 74 patients with BRAF-mutation. Mutations in KRAS were associated with inferior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) [multivariate hazard ratio (HR) for PFS: 1.20 (1.02–1.42), P = 0.03; multivariate HR for OS: 1.41 (1.17–1.70), P < 0.001]. BRAF mutation was also associated with inferior PFS [multivariate HR: 2.19 (1.59–3.02), P < 0.001] and OS [multivariate HR: 2.99 (2.10–4.25), P < 0.001]. Among specific KRAS mutation variants, the KRAS G12C-variant (n = 28) correlated with inferior OS compared with unmutated tumors [multivariate HR 2.26 (1.25–4.1), P = 0.001]. A similar trend for OS was seen in the KRAS G13D-variant [n = 71, multivariate HR 1.46 (0.96–2.22), P = 0.10]. More frequent KRAS exon 2 variants like G12D [n = 152, multivariate HR 1.17 (0.86–1.6), P = 0.81] and G12V [n = 92, multivariate HR 1.27 (0.87–1.86), P = 0.57] did not have significant impact on OS. Conclusion Mutations in KRAS and BRAF were associated with inferior PFS and OS of mCRC patients compared with patients with non-mutated tumors. KRAS exon 2 mutation variants were associated with heterogeneous outcome compared with unmutated tumors with KRAS G12C and G13D (trend) being associated with rather poor survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D P Modest
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg
| | - I Ricard
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Munich, Munich
| | - V Heinemann
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg
| | | | - W Schmiegel
- Medizinische Klinik, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum
| | - R Porschen
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Klinikum Bremen-Ost, Bremen
| | - S Stintzing
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg
| | - U Graeven
- Kliniken Maria Hilf GmbH, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - D Arnold
- Instituto CUF de Oncologia, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - C Giessen-Jung
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich
| | - A Stahler
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich Institute of Pathology University of Munich, Munich
| | - H J Schmoll
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Hospital Halle, Halle (Saale)
| | - A Jung
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg Institute of Pathology University of Munich, Munich
| | - T Kirchner
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg Institute of Pathology University of Munich, Munich
| | - A Tannapfel
- Institute for Pathology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum
| | - A Reinacher-Schick
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, St Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
466
|
Fey D, Matallanas D, Rauch J, Rukhlenko OS, Kholodenko BN. The complexities and versatility of the RAS-to-ERK signalling system in normal and cancer cells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 58:96-107. [PMID: 27350026 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The intricate dynamic control and plasticity of RAS to ERK mitogenic, survival and apoptotic signalling has mystified researches for more than 30 years. Therapeutics targeting the oncogenic aberrations within this pathway often yield unsatisfactory, even undesired results, as in the case of paradoxical ERK activation in response to RAF inhibition. A direct approach of inhibiting single oncogenic proteins misses the dynamic network context governing the network signal processing. In this review, we discuss the signalling behaviour of RAS and RAF proteins in normal and in cancer cells, and the emerging systems-level properties of the RAS-to-ERK signalling network. We argue that to understand the dynamic complexities of this control system, mathematical models including mechanistic detail are required. Looking into the future, these dynamic models will build the foundation upon which more effective, rational approaches to cancer therapy will be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Fey
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jens Rauch
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Oleksii S Rukhlenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
467
|
Mues M, Roose JP. Distinct oncogenic Ras signals characterized by profound differences in flux through the RasGDP/RasGTP cycle. Small GTPases 2016; 8:20-25. [PMID: 27159504 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2016.1187323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL) is an aggressive bone marrow cancer in children and adults, and chemotherapy often fails for relapsing patients. Molecularly targeted therapy is hindered by heterogeneity in T-ALL and mechanistic details of the affected pathways in T-ALL are needed. Deregulation of Ras signals is common in T-ALL. Ras is genetically mutated to a constitutively active form in about 15% of all haematopoietic malignancies, but there is a range of other ways to augment signaling through the Ras pathway. Several groups including our own uncovered that RasGRP1 overexpression leads to T-ALL in mouse models and in pediatric T-ALL patients, and we reported that this Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor, RasGRP1, cooperates with cytokines to drive leukemogenesis. In our recent study by Ksionda et al. we analyzed the molecular details of cytokine receptor-RasGRP1-Ras signals in T-ALL and compared these to signals from mutated Ras alleles, which yielded several surprising results. Examples are the striking differences in flux through the RasGDP/RasGTP cycle in distinct T-ALL or unexpected differences in wiring of the Ras signaling pathway between T-ALL and normal developing T cells, which we will discuss here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marsilius Mues
- a Department of Anatomy , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Jeroen P Roose
- a Department of Anatomy , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
468
|
Miura G. Lowered exchange rates. Nat Chem Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
469
|
Vu HL, Aplin AE. Targeting mutant NRAS signaling pathways in melanoma. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:111-116. [PMID: 26987942 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a devastating form of skin cancer and its incidence is increasing faster than any other preventable cancer in the United States. The mutant NRAS subset of melanoma is more aggressive and associated with poorer outcomes compared to non-NRAS mutant melanoma. The aggressive nature and complex molecular signaling conferred by this transformation has evaded clinically effective treatment options. This review examines the major downstream effectors of NRAS relevant in melanoma and the associated advances made in targeted therapies that focus on these effector pathways. We outline the history of MEK inhibition in mutant NRAS melanoma and recent advances with newer MEK inhibitors. Since MEK inhibitors will likely be optimized when combined with other targeted therapies, we focus on recently identified targets that can be used in combination with MEK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Linh Vu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
470
|
|
471
|
|